Is lap-band right for me?

Deciding on Lap-Band

More About Your Lap-Band Procedure

Am I a Candidate for Lap-Band?
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Am I a Candidate for Lap-Band?

To qualify for the lap-band, you must meet the following criteria:

    You’re at least 18 years old.
    Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is at least 35 kg/m2 or a BMI of at least 30 kg/m2 with one or more obesity related co-morbid conditions.
    You're willing and ready to make significant changes in your eating habits.
    You're willing to have regular office visits to monitor your progress.
    You do not have any other condition that is untreated and contributing to extra weight.
    You do not drink alcohol in excess.
    You are not pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant in the next few months.

You can't:

    Be addicted to drugs or alcohol.
    Have any condition that puts you at excessive risk for surgery (we can help determine this).
    Have an abnormally functioning esophagus or have had surgery in the upper stomach or lower esophagus that would be an excessive risk for complications.

Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Frequently Asked Questions about Lap-Band
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Frequently Asked Questions

If you're considering lap-band surgery, you should get solid answers before moving forward. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions.

  • What are other weight-loss surgeries, asides from lap-band?

    Almost all weight loss surgeries are either an adjustable gastric band (like a lap-band), a sleeve gastrectomy, or a gastric bypass.
    A sleeve gastrectomy involves removing the majority of the stomach, leaving a narrow gastric tube called a sleeve. This is another restrictive procedure, though it is more invasive than a Lap-Band since the stomach is cut.
    A gastric bypass is a more invasive procedure, where the stomach is divided into two stomachs, and part of the small intestine is bypassed.

  • What are the advantages of lap-band over other weight loss surgeries?

    One of the biggest advantages of lap-band is that your internal organs are not cut or changed, making it safer and the most reversible of the weight loss surgical procedures.

  • What kind of incisions are made in lap-band surgery?

    Some weight loss surgeries, called open surgeries, require a larger incision in the stomach. In contrast, others (like lap-band) are done laparoscopically, meaning that the surgery is guided by a video camera inserted into the abdomen. Lap-band is a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure and only requires smaller incisions that allow the insertion of surgical instruments.

  • How does lap-band surgery help me lose weight?

    Lap-band surgery restricts food intake by placing an adjustable gastric band on the upper part of the stomach causing decrease appetite and feeling satified with less volume of food allowing decreased food more comfortably.

  • What factors might prevent me from getting lap-band surgery?

    -Individuals must have a BMI over 30 with weight related issues.

    -Individuals would need to be able to tolerate an operation.

    -Not have any conditions that would interfere with proper functioning of the band or expected adherence to guidelines for success.

    -Significant surgery where the lap band would be expected to reside could interfere with its placement.

    -Inability to follow up for adjustments

Dr. Darrin Hansen Lap-Band Seminar
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Seminar Video

A live video presentation has recorded where our lap band program is explained, how the lap band works, potential side effects, complications, results and the most common questions that people will have about it are reviewed. If this is something that you're still interested in please connect with our office for additional information and evaluation where we can help you through the process. Our goal is to help you be successful with this weight loss tool.

Get in touch with Dr. Hansen today!

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Darrin Hansen to find out more about Lap-Band procedure and if it's right for you.