What to Look For

After meeting with a lap band specialist for a consultation, an individual will learn whether or not the Lap Band Decision is right for them.

In most cases, the Lap Band Decision is not the right answer for individuals if:

* They have an inflammatory disease or condition of the gastrointestinal tract. These items can include ulcers, severe esophagitis, or Crohn's disease.

* They sport severe heart or lung disease that makes them a poor candidate for surgery.

* They have some other disease that makes them a poor candidate for surgery.

* The person has a problem that may result in bleeding in the esophagus or stomach. Such conditions might include esophageal or gastric varices (a dilated vein). It might also be an item like congenital or acquired intestinal telangiectasia (dilation of a small blood vessel).

* They have portal hypertension.

* One’s esophagus, stomach, or intestine is not considered normal (congenital or acquired). For instance they may have a narrowed opening.

* They have/experience an intra-operative gastric injury, such as a gastric perforation at or near the location of the intended band placement.

* They have cirrhosis.

* They have chronic pancreatitis.