Lap Band Requirements
The lap band weight loss procedure is a surgical intervention to lose weight. In this procedure a gastric band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach. This limits the amount of food it takes before you have the feeling of being full. The lap band can also be adjusted during the weight loss process to help the patient lose a greater amount of weight. This process is regulated by the National Institutes of Health with specific requirements for potential lap band surgery patients.
BMI
The first and most important lap band surgery requirement is having a BMI of over 40. Your BMI (Body Mass Index) is a mathematical number that represents your weight in relation to your height. This allows you to see where you stand in regard to a healthy weight for your height. You can have a BMI below 40, but you must also have an associated medical disorder that affects your health in relation to your weight. No one with a BMI of less than 35 can qualify for lap band surgery.
Diabetes
If you have a BMI of 35 or higher, and also have been diagnosed with diabetes, you can also be eligible for the lap band surgery. Diabetes can have potentially fatal consequences when combined with obesity. Because of this the NIH allows patients with lower BMIs to qualify for the surgery because of the added risk to their health.
Hypertension
Patients with a BMI of 35 or above as well as having been diagnosed with hypertension are also candidates for lap band surgery. Hypertension can lead to blood vessel damage, heart disease, heart failure and a host of other potentially fatal disorders. Because hypertension is adversely affected by obesity, the risks associated with hypertension outweigh the risks of having the surgery at a lower BMI level.
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is another co-existing health problem that allows patients to have lap band surgery at a BMI as low as 35. High cholesterol is often associated with obesity and can cause plaque to build up in the blood vessels. This can eventually lead to heart disease, stroke or a heart attack. Once again, since the dangers associated with high cholesterol outweigh the dangers associated with a lower BMI, the NIH allows the lower level to undergo the surgery.
Past Attempts at Weight Loss
Many insurance companies may also have an additional requirement for lap band surgery. This requirement involves trying other forms of weight loss before trying weight loss surgery. These may include diets and exercise regimes that have been recommended and prescribed by your personal doctor or nutritionist. You may still have the surgery if you have not tried other methods of weight loss, but your insurance will most likely not cover it.
