According to lapband.us, the most frequently used type of surgery performed for the treatment of weight loss is laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). The trend began in the 1990s and has grown in popularity due to its safety and efficacy. Although many who are obese may opt for this method as a means of shedding unwanted pounds and improving their health, not everyone is a candidate for this procedure. Ultimately, the decision rests in the hands of your doctor based on the information you provide him.
Step 1
Check your birthday. According to both lapband.us and obesityresourceservices.com, you must be over the age of 18 to undergo weight loss surgery. In some cases age limitations may be implemented; lapband.us states the age range is between 18 and 60.
Step 2
Get a physical. Although being obese is detrimental to your health, you must be in fairly good health to safely undergo weight loss surgery. Medical conditions such as drug or alcohol use or abuse, liver disease, psychological disorders or conditions of your esophagus may prevent you from undergoing weight loss surgery.
Step 3
Check your BMI. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), your BMI is an accurate indication of how obese you are. It measures your weight in proportion to your height, and is perhaps the greatest determining factor in your eligibility for weight loss surgery. According to lapband.us, you must have a BMI greater than 40 to be a candidate. Exceptions may be made if your BMI is 35 or greater and you have an accompanying health condition related to your obesity such as diabetes, sleep apnea or cardiovascular (heart) problems.
Step 4
Get on a scale. Your doctor will also take your weight into consideration before making his decision about your eligibility for surgery. Generally, it is required that you be twice your healthy weight or more than 100 pounds over your healthy weight. Exceptions may be made if you have been overweight a minimum of 5 years and have been unable to lose your excess pounds through diet and exercise.
Step 5
Commit to lifestyle changes. Once you undergo weight loss surgery, you will not be able to eat as much food as you did before. There may also be certain foods that will cause you to become sick or cause complications. Therefore, you must be willing to make and adhere to lifestyle and nutritional changes. If your doctor does not feel you are capable of doing this, he may not feel you are a candidate for surgery.
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