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LAP-BAND Candidates

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.

Indications :: Contraindications :: Your Motivation

Indications

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

• You are at least 18 years old.
• Your BMI is 40 or higher or you weigh at least twice your ideal weight or you
  weigh at least 45 kilos more than your ideal weight.
  Click here for an interactive BMI Calculator.
• 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 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 related to
obesity.

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 oesophagitis, 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 a problem that could cause bleeding in the oesophagus or stomach. This
  might include oesophageal or gastric varices (a dilated vein). It might also be
  something such as congenital or acquired intestinal telangiectasia (dilation of a small blood vessel).
• You have portal hypertension.
• Your oesophagus, stomach, or intestine is not normal (congenital or acquired). For instance you might have a narrowed opening.
• You have or have experienced an intra-operative gastric injury, such as a gastric
  perforation at or near the location of the intended band placement.
• You have cirrhosis.
• You have chronic pancreatitis.
• 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 under 18 years of age.
• You have an infection anywhere in your body or one that could contaminate the
  surgical area.
• 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 might be allergic to materials in the device.
• You cannot tolerate pain from an implanted device.
• 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.

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 an aid 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. New eating habits must be adhered to for the rest of your life. Exercise is an equally important component of a changed lifestyle.