Deciding on LAP-BAND surgery or bariatric surgery is not a quick decision. By creating a smaller gastric pouch, the LAP-BAND® System limits the amount of food that the stomach will hold at any time. The inflatable ring controls the flow of food from this smaller pouch to the rest of the digestive tract. The patient will feel comfortably full with a small amount of food. And because of the slow emptying, the patient will continue to feel full for several hours reducing the urge to eat between meals. Read on if you are wondering if LAP-BAND surgery may be right for you.

Which Patients are Candidates for LAP-BAND Surgery?

Dieting And Exercise Hasn’t Worked

For many Bariatric patients, they have tried multiple diet and exercise routines over the years, but their efforts have not been successful. Sometimes a diet may work initially to lose, weight, but once the diet is over, they gain all the weight back and more. It is important to understand that Bariatric surgery is not a replacement for healthy eating and exercise habits. On the contrary, managing your diet and exercising regularly is more important after bariatric surgery. Think of bariatric surgery as a tool to help you reach your weight loss goals, not a fix-all solution.

Your Body Mass Index is Too High

Your Body Mass Index (or BMI) is a measurement of your weight in relation to your height. In general, patients with a BMI over 35 are candidates for LAP BAND surgery. There are a few exceptions to that rule, however:

• You have a BMI over 60. These patients are at high risk of complications for surgery. While you may not be completely disqualified, there are significant risks to consider. Talk to your doctor about a plan that fits your needs.
• If your BMI is 35 or greater and you have a serious weight-related health problem, you might be a candidate. Health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, or severe sleep apnea are serious and are taken into consideration as co morbid conditions.

There are a few factors that might disqualify you for lap-band surgery, such as patients with Crohn’s disease, patients taking high doses of steroids, or patients who have had certain bariatric surgeries in the past. If you have a BMI over 60, you may be at a higher risk of complications for surgery. While you may not be completely disqualified, there are significant risks to consider. Talk to your doctor about a plan that best fits your needs.

Your weight loss journey won’t be the same as anyone else’s. Contact LAP-BAND of Louisville to discuss your options.