Do I Qualify?

The LAP-BAND^® System is not right for everyone. Here are some of the things we will consider when evaluating your candidacy for obesity surgery.

The LAP-BAND^® System may be right for you if:

Your BMI is 40 or higher. (View BMI Chart)
Your BMI is 35 or higher and also suffer from one or more health problems such as Type II Diabetes or Hypertension.
You have been overweight for more than 5 years.
Your serious attempts to lose weight have had only short-term success.
You do not have any other disease that may have caused your obesity.
You are prepared to make substantial changes in your eating habits and lifestyle.
You are willing to continue being monitored by the specialist who is treating you.
You do not drink alcohol in excess.

If your BMI is between 30 and 34 you may still be a candidate for surgery. Patients with a BMI under 35 will not qualify for insurance. For financing please contact our Finance Advocate.

Contraindications
The LAP-BAND^® System is not right for you if:

You have an inflammatory disease or condition of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers, severe esophagitis, or Crohn's disease.
You have severe heart or lung disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery.
You have some other disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery.
You have cirrhosis.
You are pregnant. (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. In rare cases, removal may be needed.)
You are addicted to alcohol or drugs.
You are on chronic, long-term steroid treatment.
You cannot or do not want to follow the dietary rules that come with this procedure.
You or someone in your family has an autoimmune connective tissue disease. That might be a disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma. The same is true if you have symptoms of one of these diseases.

Not all contraindications, warnings or adverse events are included in this brief description. More detailed risk information is available at www.LAP-BAND.com.

Your Motivation
While the LAP-BAND^® System is an effective treatment for morbid obesity, the pounds do not come off by themselves. The LAP-BAND^® System is a tool to support you in achieving lasting results by limiting food intake, reducing appetite and slowing digestion. However, your motivation and commitment to adopt a new lifestyle are extremely important for long-term weight loss. You must be committed to new eating habits for the rest of your life. Exercise is an equally important component of a changed lifestyle.