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Am I a Candidate for Surgery?
Am I a Candidate for Surgery?
The adjustable gastric band is not right for everyone. Here are some of the things we will consider when evaluating your candidacy for obesity surgery.
Indications
The adjustable gastric band may be right for you if:
1. Your:
• BMI is 30 or higher
• Or you weigh at least twice your ideal weight
• Or you weigh at least 100 pounds more than your ideal weight.
Use this link to calculate your BMI.
2. Your serious attempts to lose weight have resulted in only short-term success.
3. You do not have any other disease that may have caused your obesity.
4. You are prepared to make substantial changes in your eating habits and lifestyle.
5. You are willing to continue being monitored by the specialist who is treating you.
6. You do not drink alcohol in excess.
Contraindications
The adjustable gastric band may not be right for you if:
1. You have an inflammatory disease or a specific disease of the gastrointestinal tract such as ulcers, severe esophagitis, or Crohn’s disease that requires steroid medication.
2. You have severe heart or lung disease that makes you a poor candidate for any surgery.
3. You have some other disease that makes you a poor candidate for any surgery.
4. You have a problem that could cause bleeding in the esophagus or stomach. This might include esophageal or gastric varices (dilated veins), or a disease such as congenital or acquired intestinal telangiectasia (dilation of a small arterial blood vessel).
5. You have cirrhosis and/or portal hypertension.
6. Your esophagus, stomach, or intestine is not normal (congenital or acquired), such as a malformation or a narrowed opening.
7. You have or have experienced an intra-operative gastric injury, such as a gastric perforation at or near the location of the intended band placement.
8. You have chronic pancreatitis.
9. You are currently pregnant.
a. 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 from a medical disease.
10. You are addicted to drugs or alcohol.
11. You are under 18 years of age (will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis).
12. You have an infection anywhere in your body or one that could contaminate the surgical area.
13. You are on chronic, long-term steroid treatment.
14. You cannot, or do not, want to follow the dietary rules that are required after the procedure.
15. You might be allergic to materials in the device.
16. You or someone in your family has an autoimmune connective tissue disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma. (The same is true if you have symptoms of one of these diseases.)
Your Motivation
While the adjustable gastric band is an effective treatment for morbid obesity, the pounds do not come off by themselves. The adjustable gastric band is an aid/tool to support you in achieving lasting results by reducing appetite, limiting food intake and slowing digestion. However, your motivation and commitment to adopt a new lifestyle are extremely important for successful 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.
