Are you a Candidate for the Weight Loss Surgery Lap Band?

Many times before a doctor will weight loss surgery lap band procedure, the patient has to meet certain minimum requirements to qualify for this surgery. You cannot just decide that the weight loss surgery lap band is an option, because you need to lose a little bit of weight. Here are what most bariatric surgeons are looking for in an ideal candidate that is wanting to have gastric bypass surgery:

BMI (body mass index) greater than or equal to 40
If you are at least 100 pounds above your ideal body weight as determined by standard life insurance tables or BMI 40 or higher.

BMI greater than or equal to 35 with coexisting medical problems
If your BMI is 35 or greater AND you have been diagnosed with coexisting medical problems (comorbidities) related to your obesity.

Serious attempts at weight reduction have failed
If you have failed after serious attempts at weight reduction such as a physician-prescribed diet, behavior modification, counseling with a dietitian, or enrollment in a group weight reduction program such as Weight Watchers, Nutri-Systems, or Overeaters Anonymous. Failure of unsupervised attempts at weight reduction on the part of prospective patients is not considered sufficient justification for the operation.

Before having the surgery, you will be expected to go through preop education and this will vary depending on the facility that is performing surgery. Mine lasted six months and was required by my insurance companies. It is all preparation that your surgery is successful and that you will remain at a healthy weight.

The weight loss surgery lap band is not going to be a walk in the park. Don’t get me wrong, the weight will come off easily and quickly in the beginning, but maintaining your ideal weight will still take exercise, a sensible diet and behavior modification. What the weight loss surgery lap band can do for you is give you a tool to reach a healthy weight, provided you are willing to do the work that it takes and make some sensible decisions.