University of California, San Diego Medical Center – Center for the Treatment of Obesity

Contra-Indications

Gastric Banding is Not for Everyone.

Gastric banding may not be right for you if:

• You have severe heart or lung disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery.
  
  
• You have some other disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery.
  
  
• You have a problem that could cause bleeding in the esophagus or stomach. This might include esophageal or gastric varices (a dilated vein). It might also be something such as congenital or acquired intestinal telangiectasia (dilation of a small blood vessel).
  
  
• You have portal hypertension.
  
  
• Your esophagus, stomach, or intestine is not normal (congenital or acquired). For instance, you might have a narrowed opening.
  
  
• You have or have experienced an intra-operative gastric injury, such as a gastric perforation at or near the location of the intended band placement.
  
  
• You have cirrhosis.
  
  
• You have chronic pancreatitis.
  
  
• You are pregnant. (If you become pregnant after the gastric band has been placed, the band may need to be deflated. The same is true if you need more nutrition for any other reason, such as becoming seriously ill. In rare cases, removal may be needed.)
  
  
• You are addicted to alcohol or drugs.
  
  
• You have an infection anywhere in your body or one that could contaminate the surgical area.
  
  
• You cannot or do not want to follow the dietary rules that come with the LAP-BAND® and REALIZE Band procedures.