| Although numerous individuals desire the lap band | | | | Lifestyle |
| procedure to affect positive weight loss, some of | | | | If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, eat tons of junk food |
| them may not be a viable candidate for it. As with any | | | | and lead a hectic, stress filled life your doctor could ask |
| elective surgery, there are huge associated risks and | | | | that you alter these things prior to lap band surgery. If |
| gastric bypass is fairly invasive operation. This is why | | | | this seems impossible to do, you may have to seek |
| ethical doctors will always look at a patient's history | | | | the assistance of a certified behavioral specialist to |
| prior to deciding to go through with this type of surgery. | | | | adopt healthier attitudes before being seriously |
| Some of the more basic considerations for the lap | | | | considered for the lap band. |
| band operation are the weight and age of the patient. | | | | Diet and exercise history |
| A patient should be between the ages of 18-55 and | | | | It is imperative to establish that the patient has tried |
| over 100 pounds in weight and/or have a Body Mass | | | | alternative methods of weight loss with limited to no |
| Index (BMI) of 35-39. For people with a BMI index that | | | | success. This is to prevent the misuse of the lap band |
| is between 35-40, it is required to establish how weight | | | | as a cure all solution to weight gain. Those who have |
| gain has affected overall health; however, individual's | | | | attempted a diet and exercise program prior to |
| with a BMI of 40 and over won't have to have weight | | | | seeking the lap band procedure are also most likely to |
| related health issues to receive the surgery. | | | | follow the lap band meal and exercise plan after |
| Below is a list of other considerations that a bariatric | | | | surgery which is essential to the operation's success. |
| physician may contemplate in an effort to see if you | | | | Pre op tests |
| qualify for lap band surgery. | | | | To further ensure the success of lap band surgery, a |
| Medical history | | | | doctor will perform a battery of diagnostic tests to |
| Medical history is extremely important as it determines | | | | establish your ongoing health and viability for surgery. |
| your ability to undergo an invasive operation. For | | | | Some of the test may include ultra sounds, |
| example, individuals with blood clotting problems or | | | | CAT-scans, X-rays and analysis of the blood and |
| cardiovascular issues may not be able to be subjected | | | | urine. If these tests come up normal, you will be able to |
| to lap band surgery without serious complications | | | | progress to the next levels of evaluation, namely |
| during or after the procedure. | | | | psychological ones, to see your mental preparedness |
| Those who have an illness that may have directly | | | | for the procedure. Once all relevant information has |
| caused their obesity may also be ineligible for lap band | | | | been collected, you can start the lengthy pre-op |
| surgery as well. If you are unsure as to what | | | | preparations for lap band surgery. |
| contributed to your weight gain, seek a full medical | | | | Is the lap band for you? |
| examination prior to your lap band consultation. | | | | If you are serious about wanting to lose weight and |
| Smoker | | | | don't mind making extreme lifestyle changes, contact a |
| People who smoke tend to develop more post | | | | local certified bariatric physician nearest your for a |
| operative related issues than those who do not and | | | | consultation. He will be able to explain the procedure, |
| can lengthen their recovery time. A smoker who truly | | | | go over the associated risks and evaluate if lap band |
| wishes to alter their lifestyle and get on the fast track | | | | surgery is right for you. |
| towards weight loss would have to quit smoking | | | | Wanting to look and feel your best is the first step |
| before their surgery. | | | | towards a richer, more fulfilling life. |