There are several ways to begin your weight loss journey with the LAP-BAND® System:

Find Out If You Qualify
The first step is to find out if you qualify for surgery. Generally, adults over 18 with a BMI of at least 40 or above are candidates for the

LAP-BAND® System surgery. Adults with a BMI of at
least 35 who have a weight-related health condition also

may be eligible. Enter your information in the BMI calculator on the right side of the page to find out instantly if you may qualify, and then talk to your surgeon to confirm.

Request an Information Kit
To help you understand more about the surgery, and your options for weight loss, you can request a free information kit. It contains a LAP-BAND® System brochure that can help you decide if this option is right for you. If you request your kit in the mail, you will also receive a list of certified surgeons in your area.
Request information kit

Attend a Free Seminar
If you would like to learn more about weight loss

surgery, you can attend a patient education seminar. Seminars and patient support groups are hosted throughout the United States by local LAP-BAND® programs and hospitals. During the seminar, you will learn more about weight-loss surgery options, including

the LAP-BAND® System, and may be able to speak with both clinical professionals and patients.
Find a seminar

Find a Surgeon in Your Area
If you are seriously considering LAP-BAND® System surgery, you may want to consult with a qualified surgeon right away. An experienced LAP-BAND® surgeon will not only determine whether this procedure is right for you and perform your surgery, but he or she will also help you with your payment options and pre- and post-op education.
Find a surgeon

Review Your Insurance Policy
To determine whether your insurance policy covers weight-loss surgery (or "bariatric" surgery), refer to the insurance policy package that you received after paying your first premium or that was provided through a plan offered by your employer. You can also call your insurance company directly.
Learn more about insurance and other payment options

a brief description of relevant indications for use, contraindications, warnings, and adverse events of the lap-band® system

Indications: The LAP-BAND® System is indicated for use in weight reduction for severely obese patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40 or a BMI of at least 35 with one or more severe comorbid conditions, or those who are 100 lbs. or more over their estimated ideal weight.

Contraindications: The LAP-BAND® System is not recommended for non-adult patients, patients with conditions that may make them poor surgical candidates or increase the risk of poor results, who are unwilling or unable to comply with the required dietary restrictions, or who currently are or may become pregnant.

Warnings: The LAP-BAND® System is a long-term implant. Explant and replacement surgery may be required at some time. Patients who become pregnant or severely ill, or who require more extensive nutrition may require deflation of their bands. Patients should not expect to lose weight as fast as gastric bypass patients, and band inflation should proceed in small increments. Anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin, should be used with caution and may contribute to an increased risk of band erosion.

Adverse Events: Placement of the LAP-BAND® System is major surgery and, as with any surgery, death can occur. Possible complications include the risks associated with the medications and methods used during surgery, the risks associated with any surgical procedure, and the patient’s ability to tolerate a foreign object implanted in the body. Band slippage, erosion and deflation, obstruction of the stomach, dilation of the esophagus, infection, or nausea and vomiting may occur. Reoperation may be required. Rapid weight loss may result in complications that may require additional surgery. Deflation of the band may alleviate excessively rapid weight loss or esophageal dilation.

Not all contraindications, warnings, or adverse events are included in this brief description. More detailed risk information is available on www.lapband.com or at 1-800-LAPBAND.