The Lap Band System is not adequate for everybody. You and your surgeon should work together to decide whether it is the adequate treatment for you or not. There are several things that your surgeon will take into consideration when deciding whether the Lap Band System is for you or not.

What are the advantages of the Lap Band System?

Indications:

The Lap Band System is adequate for you if:

• You are an adult (at least 18 years old)
• Your BMI is 40 or greater
• If you are at least 99 pounds overweight
• You have been overweight for more than 5 years
• You have had only short-term results on previous serious weight-loss intentions
• You do not have any other illness or disease that caused your weight gain
• You are prepared to make major changes in your diet habits and lifestyle
• You are determined to continue working with the specialists treating you
• You do not drink excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages

Contraindications:

The Lap Band System is not adequate for you if:

• You have an inflammatory disease or gastrointestinal diseases such as ulcers, esophagitis, or Crohn’s disease
• You have congenital or acquired abnormalities of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines
• You have serious heart or liver diseases
• You have any other diseases that will make you ineligible for a gastric band
• You suffer from a condition that causes esophageal or stomach bleeding, including esophageal or stomach varices
• You have congenital or acquired intestinal telangiectasia (dilation of small blood vessels)
• You suffer from portal hypertension (obstruction of blood flow through the liver)
• You have or have had an intra-operative gastric lesion, like a gastric perforation at the place or close to the place where the Lap Band would be placed
• You have cirrhosis or chronic pancreatitis
• You are pregnant (If you get pregnant after the Lap Band System has been placed, the band will have to be deflated. In the same manner, if for any other reason you need more nutrients, or you are very ill, the band will have to be deflated. In rare situations the band will have to be removed.)
• You are addicted to drugs or alcohol
• You are less than 18 years of age
• You have an infection that could contaminate the surgical area
• You are on long-term steroid treatment
• You are not able to or do not want to follow the diet that is required with the Lap Band System
• You are allergic to any of the materials of the Lap Band device
• You or a family member has an autoimmune disease of the connective tissues; for example: systemic lupus erythematosus or sclerosis (a condition where organs harden because of excessive fibrous tissue growth)

Some surgeons say that patients with a “sweet tooth” will not be successful with the Lap Band System. If you consume excessive amounts of sweet foods your surgeon may decide that the Lap Band System is not adequate for you.

What am I going to eat after a Lap Band Surgery?

Your motivation is a key factor

Your surgeon will not place the Lap Band System unless he knows you understand the specific problems that being overweight causes. He will also make sure that you realize all of your responsibilities, which include certain patterns of nutrition as well as a new lifestyle. If you are ready to take an active part in your weight reduction, your surgeon will consider placing the gastric band. However, the surgeon must make sure you know all the advantages, disadvantages, and risks involved.

Risks, possible complications, and adverse situations of the lap band procedure you should know

How is the Lap Band System placed?

How much weight will I loose with the Lap Band?

Other Frequently Asked Questions about the Lap Band Surgery (FAQ)