Is There Really A Maximum Weight For The Lapband?

[CFioren317 0]

I really want to get the lapband. I don't want something that is irreversible and I am afraid of anything like Gastric Bypass or anything like that. I have always been pretty heavy. 5 years ago, I was 330. However, at the start of this year, I was closer to 400. Now, I am up to around 430 because of some family issues and have been eating a lot the last few months. I checked into getting the lapband and was told I would have to lose 80 pounds because the machine only holds 350 maximum weight. Is this the same for all lapband machines? Seems a little odd to me to only hold 350 maximum weight.

I understand maybe asking someone to lose some weight to show they are serious. I also understand the emotional and psychological testing they have to do for the 6 month period before getting the band. But to me, asking me to get down to 350 before getting on the band is, well, stupid. If I could get down to 350 I wouldn't need the band.

I'm at the very early initial stages and don't know much more about the lapband than what I wrote above, so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Meduseld 29]

I don't know if there is a "weight limit" as much as it is just a health issue. Doctors are scared to do any kind of surgery on someone of high weight because it's a huge health risk and a higher mortality rate. The heavier you are, the more dangerous it is for you to go under anesthesia. It's happened to a lot of people, I believe.

I don't know about the "machine." That's weird.

[Jim1967 3,569]

Hello

I started out my journey at 484 pounds. I am going through a center of excellence and the people I have spoken to so far has not even blinked at my weight. I see my surgeon next Tuesday but his staff of nutritionist, nurses assistants, psychologists have made no comments regarding my weight. I was required to lose minimum 5% of my weight as a program requirement but that is their requirement across the board for all who enroll.

From my understanding most insurance companies and surgeons will ask you to lose some weight prior to surgery. 1. It shows you are commited to making a life change and 2. You need to shrink your liver as much as possible for the surgery.

I agree with what Elizabeth says. Issue is not so much the weight but whether or not you are healthy enough to be put under the stress of the surgery.

Good luck to you....

[FLORIDAYS 3,040]

Not sure what machine you are talking about. My Dr doesnt use such a machine during his procedure. In fact I have never been hooked up to any kind of lap band machine that I know of. I was 377 lbs and stand 5"10 with no health issues other than morbidly obese. My BMI was 55 and I smoked.

My Dr never questioned my ability to lie on the table or make it through the anesthesia. He did however instruct me to not cheat on the 2 week liquid because he really needed my liver to shrink so he could see what he was doing during surgery.

[Doriehi 3]

First of all, find a seminar for weight loss. They will explain everything about the surgery and the diet that you must follow. Most insurance companies want you to be on a doctor approved, monitored diet for 6 months. My doctor put me on a 1200 calorie diet but I didn't lose as much as I should have. I went back to the doctor's office every month. Then I went to the weight center. I went to a psych appointment, had a colonoscopy, had a physical from another doctor, got blood tests, 3 ekg's and a edg, started my diet and Protein Shakes. I really don't know about a weight limit but I believe there is an age limit. I would suggest cutting down on food, sodas, sweets, etc. Good Luck on your journey to a new life.

[KhadijahRose 66]

I went to a seminar last night and my surgeon said he's done a person over 700lbs! So I don't know about there being a weight limit but I know of higher risk factors and the higher the weight the higher the risk (not including other possible medical issues).

[readytogoforit 172]

I agree with Jim1967, find the most reputable doc you can. this is a big deal and not all docs are the same. I went to the University of Minnesota and love my surgeon! he clearly answers all my questions. I leave the office leaving confident with the knowledge I receive.

we continue seeing these docs for a long time after the surgery. we need to trust they are the best for us!

go to a seminar, ask lots of questions, even the ones that seem stupid.

try to stop eating so junk. take one day at a time, you will be surprised how much better you will feel. each lb, gone is a good thing.

if you can, start walking. it helps with weight and also with the brain. I think you sound a bit scared, and that is normal.

good luck and keep us informed! you have come to the right place!!!

[cbreeden28 23]

My doctor had a max BMI that he could perform Lapband surgery, but it's because my hospital is fairly new at the procedure. So, when I started, I was 326. They required me to get down to 292 before they would do the surgery. I think it's more to see if you are committed to the changes required in your eating habits. As far as I know, there is no weight limit to the Lapband. Also, there is no machine. It's simply a silicone band placed around the upper part of the stomach and can be filled with Fluid to make it tighter or looser based on how much you can eat and how long it keeps you full.

Any weight you can lose prior to surgery will help. I know it's hard, but just take it one day at a time. And exercise....that really helped me loose my needed weight before surgery.

[SageTracey 608]

The machine could be a piece of hospital equipment used to move patients rather than anything to do with the actual band.

[Melissannde 41]

I was banded @ 383. And no pre-op diet or weight loss required. Find a different doctor.

[screeden 21]

i am wondering if they are talking about the table that you lay on, that can move you up or down during surgery. my surgeon somewhat stands his patients up during the surgery so everything is settled down into place as he places the band. of course there is a foot plate so you don't fall to the floor. other than that, not sure what kind of equipment they would mean otherwise.

[honk 780]

My doctor required that I loose 10% body weight before surgery (started at 332). I was recovering from a blood clot which led to my surgery being postponed. I ended up loosing 50 pounds before surgery. So is it impossible for you to do the same no. I will say that I had already started an exercise program after I had a STROKE at 39. 39!!!!!! Because of a really painful knee problem (due to my weight). The only exercise I could do for an extended period was swim. I bought myself a fat lady swimsuit (with skirt), a waterproof mp3 player and swam. An hour a day 7 days a week. Is that a huge commitment sure. I still did no consider the lap band until my one of my doctors asked if I had ever considered weight loss surgery.

I would find a doctor whose presurgery requirements include therapy sessions on over eating. I learned so much from those sessions! While I see the band as helping me eat like a normal person; I had to learn new eating patterns and choices. I now try to live by the 90/10 rule. If I eat conservatively 90% of the time I can have treats at Christmas or my Birthday. I can not however have a treat everyday.

Do not think the Band will be miracle. This will be work. Took me 6 months to get restriction so the band did'nt give me any help until then.