You may be an appropriate candidate if you meet the following criteria:

• You are under the age of 60.
• You have a BMI of greater than 40 or greater than 35 with two related conditions (co-morbidities) such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and/or reflux disease.
• You have been overweight for 5 years or greater.
• You have made attempts to lose weight by conservative methods such as Weight Watchers.
• You are prepared to make significant changes in your eating habits and lifestyle.
• You don't drink alcohol excessively

The Lap-Band system is not right for you if:

• You have an inflammatory disease or condition of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers, or esophagitis. (Many people with these conditions do end up getting the procedure, but you will need to get approval from our surgeon before we can proceed with the process.)
• You have severe heart or lung disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery.
• You have a problem that could cause bleeding in the esophagus or stomach.
• Your esophagus, stomach, or intestine is not normal.
• You are pregnant.
• You are addicted to alcohol or drugs.
• You have an infection that could contaminate the surgical area.
• You cannot or will not follow the dietary rules that come with this procedure.
• You are not emotionally stable