Lap-Band: Is it right for you?

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 100 pounds more than your ideal weight. (BMI is calculated by dividing body weight (lbs.) by height in inches squared (in2) and multiplying that amount by 704.5).

- 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.

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 esophagitis, 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 esophagus or stomach. This might include esophageal 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 esophagus, 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 has been placed, it 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.

Risks of Lap-Band Surgery

Placement of the Lap-Band is major surgery and, like any surgery, death can occur. Possible complications include the risks associated with the medications and methods used during surgery, the risks associated with any surgical procedure, and the patient’s ability to tolerate a foreign object implanted in the body.

Band slippage, erosion and deflation, obstruction of the stomach, dilation of the esophagus, infection, or nausea and vomiting may occur. Reoperation may be required.

More detailed risk information is available at www.lap-band.com or 1-877-LAP-BAND.