If you are significantly overweight and exploring your weight loss options, you may be considering surgery. Lap Band surgery involves placing a band around the upper part of your stomach. This makes the stomach physically smaller, with the aim of encouraging you to eat less. The band can be adjusted when and if needed, and it can be completely removed if it is not working. As with all types of surgery, there are many issues to take into consideration and there are always risks. There are certain qualifications you must meet before you and your doctor can discuss Lap Band surgery.
Benefits Must Outweigh The Risks
According to the Coastal Center for Obesity, weight loss surgery is an option and will usually be covered by insurance when "...the perceived risks of continued obesity are greater than the risks of surgery." In addition, the New Jersey Bariatric Center recommends that potential candidates be free from uncontrolled psychological conditions or addiction to alcohol or drugs. Before going through surgery, you will need to have a full examination and interview to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure.
Age and Lifestyle Habits
Before you can consider Lap Band surgery, you must be at least eighteen years old. You must also have tried to lose weight through lifestyle modifications. This includes reducing calorie consumption along with exercise. According to the Lap Band System website, "A weight loss program, monitored by your doctor, should always be your first weight loss option." However, sometimes lifestyle changes are not enough, or they fail. In these cases, surgery may help you achieve your weight loss goals.
Weight
To have Lap Band surgery, you must fall in the category of clinically severe obesity. This means you are at least 100 pounds overweight. In addition, you qualify if your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher. If your BMI is 35 or you are 80 pounds over weight, you may also qualify, if you have one or more serious weight-related health conditions. These conditions include heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol or hypertension. In some cases if your BMI or weight does not meet the guidelines but you have a life threatening condition related to obesity, your doctor may consider the Lap Band procedure.
Commitment to Permanent Lifestyle Change
Before deciding on Lap Band surgery, you will need to be committed to eating right and getting regular exercise both after surgery and for the rest of your life in order to maintain your weight loss. You will be encouraged to join a support group, and you will need to attend regular visits with your surgeon to assess your progress and make any adjustments needed. You will need to demonstrate a commitment to playing an active role in your weight loss maintenance.
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