How to Decide If Lap Band Surgery Is Right for You

Lap band surgery is one way to get rid of excess weight and start a healthy lifestyle. In this procedure, a small part of the stomach is tied with a band. Doing so reduces the food intake and increases the time it stays in the stomach. Lap band surgery is less incisive than other weight loss methods since it doesn't require any intestines to be bypassed. Plus, it's fully reversible. Follow these steps to decide if lap band surgery is right for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Consider this surgery only if you're twice your ideal weight or are at least overweight by 100 lbs.
2. Remember, you need to be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for lap band surgery and, ideally, you shouldn't be older than 55.
3. Note that this surgery is meant for people who have been overweight for over 5 years, despite sincere attempts to lose weight.
4. Note this surgery is right for you only if your obesity is not due to any other major disease that you might be suffering from.
5. Note that you must be emotionally and physically stable to handle the surgery. Most likely, you shouldn't have any major diseases and shouldn't be prone to depression. Remember, it takes time to recuperate from this surgery, both mentally and physically.
6. Visit blogs and personal websites of people who have undergone lap band surgery. Learn from their experiences. Not only might you identify with them, their stories will help you decide if you're taking the right step.
7. Learn how you'll need to alter your lifestyle before undergoing lap band surgery. You'll have to cut back or stop smoking and drinking alcohol in order to prepare yourself, both for the surgery and recovery.
8. Are you prepared to make significant changes in your lifestyle after the surgery? You'll have to make substantial changes in your eating habits, maintain an exercise schedule and be monitored continually by your doctors for a very long time.
9. Have realistic expectations about the surgery. You may not get the exact effects you want. Remember to discuss with your surgeon about how your physical appearance will change and whether you will be fine with that.
10. Consult a surgeon and discuss your medical history. Let them make the final call. Also clarify any doubts that you might have about the surgery.