Regarding the lapband

Question
Hello my name is Michelle and I was wondering about the lapband and if I qualified I weigh 186 lbs and I'm 5'0 tall and I have high blood pressure and I'm on medication for the pressure ... Do I qualify and would I loose alot were I would look sickly instead of healthy...

Answer
Michelle,
With the height and weight you have listed, you have a Body Mass Index of 36.  That BMI level, combined with the presence of high blood pressure, makes it very likely that you are an appropriate physical candidate for Lap-Band or one of the other bariatric surgery procedures.  The best next step if you are interested in surgery will be to meet with a surgeon who is experienced in a variety of surgical procedures.  You can find a 'Center of Excellence' surgeon in your area on the web at:
http://www.surgicalreview.org/locate.aspx

Regarding your question about looking too skinny or looking ill due to weight loss - that is a more complicated issue and I have to recommend that you ask your chosen surgeon once you meet with him/her in person.  Generally speaking, folks feel so much better at the lower weight that they don't mind a bit of loose skin.

Best of luck!
Dr JP  

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