Who can be considered for the LAP-BAND® System?

In order to determine whether the LAP-BAND® System is an appropriate method for you, your situation will be assessed according to the following criteria, among others:

1) You are between 18 and 60 years old.
2) You weigh double your Ideal weight or more,
OR
You weigh at least 45 kilos more than your ideal weight
3)You are suffering from obvious health problems which are associated with severe obesity, such as diabetes, joint problems, heart problems, or snoring with regular cessation of breathing (sleep apnea).
4)You have been overweight for more than 5 years.
5)You have made serious attempts to lose weight, which may have been successful, but the weight has not stayed off.
6)You are not suffering from any other disease which could have caused you to be overweight.
7)You are prepared to make drastic changes in your eating habits and lifestyle and to go on being monitored by the specialist treating you.
8) You do not drink to excess and do not use "mind-expanding" substances. Also some surgeons have reported that patients with a "sweet tooth", i.e. someone who eats large quantities of sweet foods or drinks a lot of milk-shakes or other high-calorie drinks, will not do well with the LAP-BAND® System.

In general, the LAP-BAND® System method is not employed in persons with a Body Mass Index of less than 35. However, your surgeon may have convincing reasons, for example health problems resulting from obesity, for carrying out an operation of this kind. Your surgeon can give you more information on the criteria for selection and can determine whether you would be considered.

Your motivation

The LAP-BAND® System operation is performed only if your surgeon is convinced that you fully understand what problems your excess weight is causing. He will also want to be sure that you are well informed about the advantages, disadvantages and risks. He will only go on to operate if he is certain that you are aware of your responsibilities as regards a new eating pattern and lifestyle, and that you are prepared to play an active part in reducing your weight.