FDA approved lap band system use in the US in June 2001. Adjustable gastric band or the lap band surgery procedure is performed with laparoscopic instruments and it is used in serious desperate situations. It is a kind of restrictive weight loss surgery that has been designed for obesity patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more, or between 35 and 40.
For having lap band surgery, pain intolerance to implanted devices as well allergic reactions to materials in the band are both contraindications. People between ages 18 and 55 years are eligible of it, but many doctors are working outside these ages. If severe cardiopulmonary diseases or other conditions which make patients poor surgical candidates exist, this surgery is not a good idea.
