Many people who have struggled with trying to lose weight know how hard it can be to lose those extra 100 lbs. Choosing to get the lap band surgery for weight loss is a big decision. There are some requirements and criteria that an overweight person must first meet before a physician will consider the lap band. There are also risks involved with the procedure.
Overall Health
One thing that many physicians will consider before giving the go-ahead for gastric lap band surgery is the patient's overall health. This can include a multitude of things including whether the patient has a history of heart or lung problems. This could be detrimental to the surgery because the surgeon does not want to place any unwanted physical stress on the body. If someone has a cancer diagnosis or other life-threatening illness such as kidney disease or liver problems, the surgeon will have to decide whether the surgery will be a true benefit to the patient's overall health. Making sure that vital signs, cholesterol and iron levels are within normal ranges may also be a prerequisite for the surgery.
BMI
Your BMI, or body mass index, plays an important factor in being able to get approved for the surgery. A normal BMI ranges between 18.5 and 24.9, according to the National Heart and Blood Institute. According to the Consumers Guide to Bariatric Surgery, in order to be eligible for gastric lap band surgery, the BMI has to be between 35 and 39 along with an associated medical problem such as hypertension or diabetes. Without a medical problem, the BMI must be 40 or greater to meet criteria for the band.
Medical Conditions
Some physicians may take into consideration certain medical conditions associated with being obese as being a criteria for the surgery. In addition to obesity, diabetes, hypertension and circulatory conditions may also give the physician an indication whether the surgery will help the patient. If it is shown that the patient's medical condition will likely improve if they lose weight, he may be a good candidate for the surgery.
Weight Loss Attempts
In order for some physicians to approve a gastric lap band surgery, they may make the patient provide proof that she has attempted to lose weight before with other methods. This could be attending a weight loss class or program through a physician, taking diet pills and documentation she tried to change her diet but failed to lose the weight.
Understand the Risks
Another requirement for gastric lap band surgery is the patient must understand the risks involved with having the procedure. It is still considered a surgery, although not as risky and complex as gastric bypass, which involves bypassing the small intestine and making the stomach smaller. There is a port that controls how much space the band cuts off in the stomach area. It can be adjusted as needed but there is an increased risk of leakage, band deflation, blockage and enlargement of the stomach pouch.
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