Who is a candidate for the LAP-BAND® System?

While LAP-BAND is a proven highly effective method for weight loss, there are certain qualifying factors that must be present before a patient is considered to be a candidate.

Most importantly, the patient MUST BE WILLING TO MAKE A LIFE LONG COMMITMENT TO CHANGE IN THEIR EATING HABITS AND LIFESTYLE. Candidates who want to take a half-hearted stab at the LAP-BAND procedure need not apply. Success is at least 90% due to the consistency of the patient's transformed eating habits facilitated by the procedure. While the procedure will help remove hunger, the patient still must decide what he or she will eat and whether or not to be diligent with some form of exercise regime.

A healthy Body Mass Index (ratio of fat on the body) is between 20 to and 25 kg/m2. A LAP-BAND candidate must have a BMI of at least 40 kg/m2 (morbid obesity) or a BMI of 35 kg/m2 or greater with at least one significant "co-morbid" condition like hypertension, Type II diabetes, sleep apnea or serious joint problems. It must also be documented that the candidate has been obese for five years or more. Find out your BMI.

Also, LAP-BAND is considered a "last resort" for weight loss. It is a physiologically altering procedure that can have considerable risk. For this reason, patients need to run the gamut of weight loss options before they consider the LAP-BAND procedure. Many insurance companies actually require patients to document their dieting with start dates and stop dates before they will consider paying for LAP-BAND.

Qualification Breakdown:

Indications | Contraindications | Your Motivation

Indications
The LAP-BAND® System may be right for you if:

• You are at least 18 years old.
• Your BMI is 40 kg/m2 or higher or you weigh at least 100 pounds or more than your ideal weight. (Calculate your BMI)
• Your BMI is at least 35 kg/m2 and you have a significant medical condition which is linked to obesity
• You have been overweight for more than 5 years.
• Your serious attempts to lose weight have had only short-term success.
• You do not have any other disease that may have caused your obesity.
• You are prepared to make substantial changes in your eating habits and lifestyle.
• You are willing to continue being monitored by the specialist who is treating you.
• You do not drink alcohol in excess.

If you do not meet the 40 kg/m2 BMI or weight criteria, you still may be considered for surgery if your BMI is over 35 kg/m2 and you are suffering from serious health problems related to obesity.

Contraindications – (Reasons NOT to have a Lap Band)
The LAP-BAND System may not be right for you if:

• You have an inflammatory disease or condition of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers, severe esophagitis, or Crohn's disease.
• You have severe heart or lung disease that makes you a poor candidate for general anesthesia.
• You have some other disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery.
• You have a problem that could cause bleeding in the esophagus or stomach. This might include esophageal or gastric varices (a dilated vein) or congenital or acquired intestinal telangiectasia (dilation of a small blood vessels).
• You have portal hypertension or liver cirrhosis.
• Your esophagus, stomach, or intestine is not abnormal (congenital or acquired).
• You have had a stomach injury, such as a gastric perforation at or near the location of the intended band placement.
• You have a large hiatal hernia.
• You have chronic pancreatitis.
• You are pregnant. (If you become pregnant after the LAP-BAND System has been placed, the band may need to be deflated. The same is true if you need more nutrition for any other reason, such as becoming seriously ill. In rare cases, removal may be needed.)
• You are addicted to alcohol or drugs.
• You are under 18 years of age.
• You have an infection anywhere in your body or one that could contaminate the surgical area.
• You are on chronic, high-dose steroid treatment.
• You cannot or do not want to follow the dietary rules that accompany this procedure.
• You might be allergic to materials in the device.
• You cannot tolerate pain from an implanted device.
• You or someone in your family has an autoimmune connective tissue disease. This includes diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma.

Your Motivation
While the LAP-BAND® System is an effective treatment for morbid obesity, the pounds do not come off by themselves. The LAP-BAND® System is an aid to support you in achieving lasting results by limiting food intake, reducing appetite and slowing digestion. However, your motivation and commitment to adopt a new lifestyle are extremely important for long-term weight loss. New eating habits must be adhered to for the rest of your life. Exercise is an equally important component of a changed lifestyle.