Am I Eligible for Lap Band Surgery?
Are you torn between lap band surgery vs gastric surgery or any other weight loss procedure? A lap band procedure has the advantages of being reversible and featuring low risks of complications. It has a simple concept where the surgeons put an adjustable band around the stomach to reduce its size. If you are considering it, there’s one pressing concern: the lap band surgery requirements. Read on for more information on what it takes to be eligible for lap band surgery in New York City.
BMI of 30-45
One of the most crucial factors determining who is eligible for lap band surgery is that you must be overweight/obese or at risk of obesity-related diseases. No minimum weight requirement exists, but patients must have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30-45. What if your BMI is more than 45? You will be advised to use more effective weight loss procedures like the gastric sleeve procedure.
Long Term Overweight
While you may meet the criterion for having a high BMI, being obese, or at risk of weight-related conditions, you may not be a good candidate for the procedure unless you have been overweight for a long time. Some surgeons state you must have been obese for at least five years to be eligible for the lap band procedure.
Frequent Follow-ups
Before undergoing the lap band, ensure you will be available for frequent check-ups with your surgeon. Like any other weight loss procedure, some risks are involved, especially when you fail to adjust your lifestyle and nutrition. Several patients have the band removed due to complications like slippage or leakages. To avoid that, you should be ready for follow-ups with your doctor.
Open to Change
Another way to know who is eligible for a lap band is by determining whether the patient is ready to change their lifestyle. Surgery is the first step in trying to lose weight, but after that, you will also have to exercise frequently, follow a post lap band diet,eat healthy, take low-calorie meals, and generally change unhealthy habits. You must be highly motivated—otherwise, the procedure will fail.
Doctor Clearance
You must be healthy to undergo the procedure, which means that you should not be suffering from medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease. These are risky cases that could lead to complications during surgery, and you would instead need to opt for safer alternatives.
Talk to a Specialist About Lap Band Surgery
If you meet the above criteria, you are likely a good candidate for lap band surgery in NYC. However, ensure that you consult with our surgeons at Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program for a customized evaluation to confirm that you are ready for the procedure.