Lap Band Surgery for Weight Loss - Who It's Indicated For

In general, gastric banding, including the Lap Band procedure and weight loss system is indicated for people for whom all of the following apply:

Body Mass Index above 40, or those who are 100 pounds (45 kg) or more over their estimated ideal weight according to the 1983 Metropolitan Life Insurance Tables or those between 30 to 40 with co-morbidities which may improve with weight loss (high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, and arthritis).

Age between 18 and 55 years (although there are doctors who will work outside these ages, some as young as 12.

Failure of dietary or weight-loss drug therapy for more than one year. Medifast Specials  

History of obesity (generally 5 years or more).

Comprehension of the risks and benefits of the procedure and willingness to comply with the substantial lifelong dietary restrictions required for long term success.

Acceptable operative risk.

It is usually contraindicated, or not indicated, for people with any of the following:

If the surgery or treatment represents an unreasonable risk to the patient.

Untreated glandular diseases such as hypothyroidism.

Inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract such as ulcers, esophagitis or Crohn’s disease.

Severe cardiopulmonary diseases or other conditions which may make them poor surgical candidates in general.

An allergic reaction to materials contained in the band or who have exhibited a pain intolerance to implanted devices.

Dependency on alcohol or drugs.

Mentally retarded or emotionally unstable people.

There are many adjustable gastric bands, including Lap Band available to patients.