FAQs: Who is a good candidate for adjustable gastric band surgery?
Posted by Adam Yarbrough on Thu, Dec 03, 2009 @ 08:41 AM
If you're considering an adjustable gastric band surgery, you should be at least 50 pounds more than your ideal weight at at least 16 years old. Your body mass index (BMI) is also an important measure. If your BMI is:
- 40 or greater, you typically are a good candidate for adjustable gastric band surgery
- 35 to 40 with obesity-related health conditions, you may also be a good candidate for adjustable gastric band surgery.
- 30 to 35, with obesity-related health conditions, you may be considered for adjustable gastric band surgery on a case-by-case basis.
If you don't meet the weight criteria you may still be considered for surgery if you are suffering from serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, joint problems/arthritis, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, etc...
We also consider other aspects such as serious previous weight loss attempts that had only short-term success. If you are suffering from any other disease that may have caused your obesity, or if you drink excessive amounts of alcohol, adjustable gastric band surgery might not be the right option for you.
Most importantly, for your success, we need to be certain that you are prepared to make substantial changes in your eating habits and lifestyle and are willing to continue being monitored by the specialist treating you.