Who Should Not Use Lap Band Surgery

Lap band surgery 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 lap band surgery.
• You have some other disease that makes you a poor candidate for lap band surgery.
• You have a problem that could cause bleeding in the esophagus or stomach. That 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/experience 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, the lap band 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.
• You have an infection anywhere in your body or one that could contaminate the surgical area.
• You are on chronic, long-term steroid treatment.
• You cannot or do not want to follow the dietary rules that come with the lap band surgery procedure.
• You might be allergic to materials in the device.
• You cannot tolerate pain from an implanted device.
• You or someone in you family has an autoimmune connective tissue disease. That might be a disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma. The same is true if you have symptoms of one of these diseases.

Some lap band surgeons say patients with a "sweet tooth" will not do well with lap band surgery. If you eat a lot of sweet foods, your lap band surgeon may decide not to do the procedure. The same is true if you often drink milkshakes or other high-calorie liquids.

Your Motivation is Key

Your lap band surgeon will not do the operation unless he or she knows you understand the problems your excess weight is causing. Also your lap band surgeon will make sure you know you have responsibilities. These include new eating patterns and a new lifestyle. If you are ready to take an active part in reducing your weight, your lap band surgeon will consider the treatment. First though your lap band surgeon will want to make sure you know about the advantages, disadvantages, and risks involved with lap band surgery.