Lapband is NOT for everyone!

I know that this board is one of the places people look when they are trying to decide on the type of weight loss surgery for them, so I am posting this in hopes that it will help someone determine if the lapband is right for them. According to Inamed, the makers of the band approved in the U.S., the band may not work for people with the following indications: Contraindications The LAP-BAND System 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 surgery. You have some other disease that makes you a poor candidate for 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 or have experienced 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 System has been placed, the 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 this procedure. You might be allergic to materials in the device. You cannot tolerate pain from an implanted device. You or someone in your 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. There is a strong possiblity that it will work for you if: Indications* The LAP-BAND System may be right for you if: You are an adult (at least 18 years old). Your BMI is 40 or higher, or your BMI is at least 35 and you have one or more severe co-morbid conditions, or you weigh at least 100 pounds (45 kilos) more than your ideal weight. You have been overweight for more than 5 years. Your serious attempts to lose weight have had only short-term success. You do not have any other disease that may have caused you to be overweight. You are prepared to make major changes in your eating habits and lifestyle. You are willing to continue working with the specialist who is treating you. You do not drink alcohol in excess. This information is from http://www.allerganandinamed.com/products/obesity/us/patient/lapband/risk.html I do not reget my lapband. I don't want you to regret yours either, which is why I am posting this. I hope this helps you in your research. In no way do I think this post should be the end of your research; merely some help in the process. Bev

Good Info!!!!

Thanks, Mona! I hope that this info will help someone in the decision-making process. Bev

I think a lot of these contraindications apply to the other surgeries as well. Best to consult your surgeon. There are exceptions to every rule.

1. This post is about the LAPBAND, not other surgeries. 2. This post says " I hope this helps you in your research. In no way do I think this post should be the end of your research; merely some help in the process."

After much research, I chose the lap-band. I was prepared for the possibility of erosion, slippage, BP, vomitting, etc, and even death. What I was not prepared for was not being able to banded. I wish they had REALLY made me aware of the possibility of waking up from surgery WITHOUT the lap-band (according to my DR due to abnormality in my anatomy for which they do not test pre-op) and that the scar tissue from the first aborted attempt at placing the lap-band would make the second attempt at surgery to place band unsuccessful. 2) I also was not prepared for the adverse reaction I had to the derma-bond (the surgical glue my surgeon uses to close wounds). All things considered if I had the opition of trying to have a band palced a 3rd time, with a VIABLE possibilty of it being successfully placed, I would do it again.

Preach it! So true!