How effective is the LAPBAND^® weight loss surgery?

The LAP-BAND^® System is a statistically-proven, effective treatment method for morbid obesity, and helps achieve long-term weight loss results by limiting food intake and slowing the digestive process. While the band is an effective tool, its degree of effect is deter-mined by the active participation on the part of the individual implementing the system. Lapband patients can expect a gradual but steady weight loss over the first year. While weight loss results do vary, the individual is the final determinant in the success of the lap-band. When paired with lifestyle changes, support networks, and trusted work of a surgeon, success is achievable.

Several qualifications must be met by any individual considering the lapband procedure for both insurance and health reasons.

The band may be right for you if:

• You are an adult (at least eighteen years of age)
• Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 40 or higher, or your BMI is at least 35 and you have one or more severe morbid obesity condi-tions, or you weigh at least 100 pounds more than your ideal weight.
• You have attempted to lose weight in a variety of ways with only short-term success.
• You do not have a disease that may have caused you to become overweight.
• You are prepared to make significant changes in your lifestyle and eating habits, including implementing the psychological and emotional support from qualified professionals.
• You are willing to continue working with the specialist who is treating you.
• You do not consume alcohol excessively.

The band may not be right for you if:

• You have an inflammatory disease or gastric condition.
• You have severe heart or lung disease, or other disease, which makes you a poor candidate for surgery in general.
• You have portal hypertension.
• You have an abnormal esophagus, stomach, or intestine.
• You have cirrhosis.
• You have chronic pancreatitis.
• You are currently pregnant. See FAQs
• You have a drug or alcohol addiction.
• You are under eighteen years of age.
• You have an infection anywhere in your body that could contaminate a surgical area.
• You use steroid treatment, short term or long term.
• You are unable or do not wish to follow the dietary rules that must be implemented with this procedure.
• You are allergic to the materials or devise used in the procedure.
• You or someone in your family has an autoimmune connective tissue disease.

While these are some helpful guidelines, ultimately, only a doctor and surgeon can determine whether or not an individual is a good candidate for the lapband, or if a different procedure would be better suited to that individual’s needs.

A surgeon may recommend that a patient consider other weight loss options, if the patient does not comprehends the health prob-lems their obesity is causing, and refuses to agrees to necessary responsibilities they will be required to take. If an individual is ready to take an active part in long-term weight reduction, and meets the health guidelines, then a surgeon will consider the treatment procedure.

For further information in regard to health qualifications or candidacy, procedure information, to address procedural-related concerns, or in regard to other related weight loss information, CRMC / MIMIS offers Informational Seminars as an excellent resource.