Although the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System can have a significant and positive impact on weight loss, not every one is an ideal candidate for the procedure. Like most elective surgeries there are extensive risks. More than this, gastric bypass is a relatively invasive procedure. An ethical physician will never commit to a surgery before reviewing the candidates history and making an educated decision on whether or not he or she is ready and able to both endure and recover from the procedure.
The age and weight of the candidate are among the most important and basic of considerations that will be made. An ideal candidate is between the ages of 18 and 35 and has more than 100 pounds of excess weight to lose. They should have a Body Mass Index or BMI of 35-39. When the upper levels of the BMI reach 40 the physician will work to determine how the excess weight altered the overall health of the candidate. Those with a BMI of 40 do not have to have health issues that are related to obesity in order to be determined as qualified for the procedure.
Following you will find a list of the many considerations that an ethical bariatruc physician will make when considering an applicant for the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System.
The patients medical history
A patients medical history plays a huge factor in determining if he or she is ready to undergo an invasive procedure. Some good examples of issues that may make surgery unideal or those candidates who have issues with blood clotting or have had cardiovascular issues in the past. These individuals have a very high likelihood of having serious, if not fatal complications during or following surgery.
If a candidate’s obesity is known to be caused by a specific illness this may also make him or her ineligible for the procedure. For the candidate that is unsure of the cause of weight gain it is recommended that a full medical examination be conducted before he or she undergoes the consultation process for the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System.
Does the patient currently use tobacco products?
People that are smokers have a much higher likelihood of developing post-op issues that will serve to increase difficulty level and duration of their recovery time. If an applicant is a smoker and truly want to alter their life and lifestyle, the best thing to do is to implement a dedicated non-smoking plan prior to committing to surgery.
Life Choices And Life Habits
If a candidate has long led a sedentary lifestyle in which high amounts of junk was consumed, or they are prone to having a stress-filled and hectic environment the physician will usually request that these habits be altered before the surgery is performed. If the candidate needs assistance it is possible to get help through a certified behavioral specialist who can help in learning better attitudes before a final consideration is made.
The patient’s history of diet and exercise
One of the may things that a bariatric physician will work to establish is clear evidence of the patient having tried other methods of weight loss without success. This is one of the ways in which it is possible to prevent misuse of the procedure in which a patient uses surgery as a cure all. Those that have exercised diligence in prior weight loss efforts generally tend to have more success in implementing the necessary after surgery meal and exercise plan that is essential to a successful operation.
Pre-Surgery Testing
One of the major steps in ensuring that the procedure will be a success is the routine performance of diagnostic tests to help establish the status of health and viability for the procedure. This battery of tests has been known to include blood and urine analysis, CAT-scans, X-rays, ultra sounds and more. When the results are normal the patient is then able to move forward to another level of pre-surgery evaluation, psychological preparedness. After all of the testing has been performed the patient will then enter into a lengthy state of pre-operation preparation.
Can you benefit from the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System?
People that are dedicated to losing weight and are prepared to make the necessary lifestyle changes can start by simply contacting a certified local bariatric physician to schedule a consultation. At this initial appointment the physician will provide an in depth explanation of the procedure and address all of the related risks. If you are ready to progress he or she will then begin to evaluate if the procedure is right for you.
The very fact that you are ready to both feel better and look your very best puts you closer to a rich and rewarding existence. If you can maintain this positive mindset the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System can help push you towards these personal goals.
