The Best Candidates for Lap-Band

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The Lap-Band surgery is a type of surgical weight loss procedure that may be able to help you if you have tried other weight loss methods without much success. Before you make plans to have the Lap-Band procedure, your surgeon will meet with you to determine if you would be a good candidate for the surgery. The Lap-Band device has some exclusions based on certain health conditions and behaviors that could impact your chances at a positive outcome.

Age and Health Status

To have the Lap-Band procedure, you should be between the ages of 18 and 65 years old, not be pregnant and not have any infections. You should not have any serious heart or lung conditions that would impact your procedure. Your liver and digestive system should be in good condition with no congenital defects. Candidates for the Lap-Band procedure should not have a history of alcohol or drug abuse. Your past attempts at weight loss must not have been successful, and you should not have any health conditions that cause obesity, such as Kleinfelter’s syndrome or Hashimoto’s disease.

Body Mass Index Guidelines

The Lap-Band surgery for weight loss may be an option for you if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher. For a woman who is 5’4″, this means weighing about 225 to 250 pounds or more, or being at least 100 pounds overweight. For a man of 5’10”, this means weighing about 275 pounds or more, or being 125 or more pounds overweight.

Co-Morbid Conditions

If you have serious health conditions that are related to being overweight, you may also qualify for the Lap-Band procedure. People with a weight-related health condition may be able to have this weight loss surgery with a BMI of 30 or higher and at least one of these additional medical conditions. Some of the qualifying conditions include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and moderate to severe arthritis.

Commitment to Lifestyle Changes and Follow-Up Care

You must be willing to make a long-term commitment to living a healthy lifestyle in order to have surgical weight loss such as the Lap-Band procedure. This is because the Lap-Band will limit the amount of food that you can eat in a meal. Your dietary choices will need to provide your body with protein, vitamins and minerals. You must also be willing to come in for regular follow-up visits.