People generally consider this operation when their weight excess becomes intolerable. Their obesity can make them very unhappy, have poor health or simply means that they cannot live life to the full.
It is essential to be highly motivated and have the support of your family and friends before considering this operation. It involves a significant life-style change.

- The operation can be performed between 18 and 65 years old

- The operation cannot be performed when you are pregnant. It is also recommended that you delay pregnancy until after you have established your weight-loss. In fact, you may find it easier to conceive when you have lost your excess weight. During pregnancy the band should be deflated as you may suffer vomiting which, aside from being unpleasant, could cause you to have complications.

- A psychiatrist sees all potential patients before surgery is considered. This is to see if there are underlying eating disorders that could compromise your success.

- It is important to establish that other medical methods of weight-loss have been attempted for at least a year. The band is not an easy option.