LAP-BAND System Surgery FAQs
LAP-BAND� System Surgery is an effective way to help people lose weight. Get the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about LAP-BAND� System Surgery, and see if this procedure may help you.
Who is a candidate for LAP-BAND� System Surgery?
There are some qualifications that you must meet in order to be a candidate for the LAP-BAND� System surgical procedure. You must be over the age of 18 and under age 55. You also must have a BMI of 35-40, or be 100 pounds or more overweight. You will need to be in generally good health, and not suffer from any major medical problems. In many cases, you will be required to undergo some consultation to determine how serious you are about losing weight, and you may have to prove that you have tried other means of weight loss and been unsuccessful.
What are the risks of LAP-BAND� System Surgery?
Any surgical procedure carries a certain amount of risk, and LAP-BAND� System Surgery is no exception. Most of the risks associated with this procedure involve complications that can arise if the patient does not follow the post-operative instructions, or complications that can arise if the band slips or begins to wear an opening into the stomach lining. Your weight loss surgeon will review all of the potential risks with you so you can make an informed decision about your treatment.
How soon will I begin to see weight loss?
The rate of weight loss will vary from patient to patient, but you can usually expect to see some results quite quickly. Immediately after following surgery you will be on a liquid diet for a few weeks which will jump start your weight loss. The amount of weight you lose after your initial recovery period will depend on you, but it is not unheard of for a person to lose more than 65% of their excess weight.
Can I gain weight after LAP-BAND� System Surgery?
Absolutely. LAP-BAND� System Surgery is not a miracle procedure that will prevent you from gaining weight. You will still need to practice a healthy diet and exercise regimen to ensure that you do not put the weight back on.
Will my health insurance pay for LAP-BAND� System Surgery?
In some cases your health insurance may cover the cost of the procedure, and in others it will not. This solely depends on your particular health insurance. You should contact your insurance company and inquire about whether they pay for this type of procedure or not. If they do not cover the cost of LAP-BAND� System Surgery, you may be able to explore bariatric surgery financing options.