Jul 8, 2008 | 5:14 pm
Am I a Candidate for Surgery?
You may be eligible for LAP-BAND® System surgery if:
- You are at least 18 years old.
- Your BMI is 40 or more.
- You weigh at least twice your ideal weight or at least 100 pounds more than your ideal weight, or have a BMI of 35-39 with a co-morbidity.
- You have been overweight for more than 5 years.
- Your serious weight – loss attempts have had only short-term success.
- You are not suffering from any other diseases that may have caused your obesity, such as a thyroid condition.
- You are willing to continue being monitored by the specialist treating you.
- You do not drink alcohol in excess.
If you do not meet the BMI or weight criteria, you still may be considered for surgery if your BMI is over 35 and you are suffering from serious health problems caused by your weight. Your surgeon may have additional criteria.
It is advisable to join a support group so that patients can talk to others who have had similar surgery. Spend time considering if LAP-BAND® surgery is right for you. The support of your family and friends would be helpful so discuss your decision to have LAP-BAND® surgery with your family and friends.
Consider the changes that surgery will bring about in your life and what is motivating you to pursue this surgery. Consider the advantages, disadvantages and risk involved in the surgery.
Consider any mental health issues such as, your capability to cope with change, whether you experience mood swings and the amount of stress in your life, as such issues may affect your ability to cope with the changes in life-style necessary after this type of surgery. Sometimes, patients are advised to deal with their mental health issues by undergoing counseling, therapy etc before this surgery.