I'm new here and am in the process of trying to learn as much as possible about lapband surgery. I have scheduled my seminar for 08/04/08 but I wanted to inform myself as much as possible before then and this looks like the best place to be.

I'm trying to find out what medical conditions may make you ineligilble for the surgery but I'm not having the best luck. Can anyone point me in the right direction or let me know if such a lisy even exists. I'm fairly healthy, except being very overweight (259.6 yesterday morning), but I have had a few medical problems pop up in the last few years.

I would appreciate any help.

Thanks,

Pam

This list is from an actual lap band handout...

Situations which could make Lap Band surgery a poor choice for you:

1. You have an inflammatory disease or condition of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers, esophagitis, or Crohn's disease.
   
2. You have severe heart or lung disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery.
   
3. You have some other disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery.
   
4. 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 telangiectasias (dilation of a small blood vessel).
   
5. Your esophagus, stomach, or intestine is not normal. For instance you might have a narrowed opening.
   
6. You are pregnant. (If you become pregnant after the LAP-BAND System has been placed, the band may need to be deflated or removed. The same is true if you need more nutrition for any other reason, such as becoming seriously ill.)
   
7. You are addicted to alcohol or drugs.
   
8. You have an infection that could contaminate the surgical area. The same is true if you need a procedure that could do the same thing.
   
9. You use aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs often.
   
10. You cannot or do not want to follow the dietary rules that come with this procedure.
    
11. You are not emotionally stable.
    

Hi Pam, I too am in the beginning stages of the band procedure. I have already attended the seminar and have an appointment with the surgeon on Tuesday. I found the more I learned the better I felt...I was a paralegal for years, so the research part of this was exciting for me. I started by downloading the criteria that my insurance company requires. Once I felt I was a candidate I started researching the band. It may sound silly, but the book "idiots guide to weight loss surgery" was very helpful. My BMI is low (according to insurance standards) but I have herniated discs in my back, stress incontinence, high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, Gerd and painful knee joints. I have been getting ready for the surgeon...My PCP has already forwarded the referral, he has also written a separate letter to the insurance co. I also have letters from my OBGYN and the podiatrist that tried to fix my fallen arches. My goal is to present my insurance company with so much information they approve the procedure. Again the research part has been rewarding for me, so if there is anything I can do to help let me know. Kimberly