Thousands of people undergo weight loss surgery annually and the popularity of the many types, such as liposuction procedures, continues to rise. Another such procedure is called Lap Band Surgery, which put simply is a silicone "belt" that is placed around the top of the stomach. The band is adjustable and a patient may need 6 to 8 adjustments of the band during the first 12-18 months, possibly once or twice during the next year and normally none at all during the third year.

However, as easy as some of the procedures sound, an operation for weight loss is not for someone who is looking for a quick fix or for those who just don't want to diet. Most people who undergo this type of elective surgery for weight loss must still follow strict dietary guidelines or risk being disappointed in their weight loss. Exercise is still a key part of losing weight, even after an operation. Patients who exercise at least 30 minutes a day will lose weight 30% faster.

Even though the Lap Band surgery is considered a safe and effective weight loss solution, checking into a surgery center and having the procedure done is not for everyone. Whether or not you are a good candidate is a decision that you and your doctor will make together. One of the key measures of eligibility is your Body Mass Index (BMI), a calculation based on your height and weight.

As it is an invasive surgery, all factors need to be taken into consideration and figuring your BMI is one consideration. Your BMI is determined by calculating your weight in pounds divided by your height in inches squared and is categorized as follows: Healthy Weight has a BMI between 19 and 25, Overweight would be between 25 and 30, over 30 is considered obese and if your BMI is 40 or more it is considered morbidly obese.

However, your BMI is not the only factor that your doctor considers. For example, if your BMI is over 40, or more than 35 with obesity related health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, etc., then you may qualify for the procedure.

A few other considerations for this type of operation would be if you were twice your ideal weight or at least 100 pounds overweight. If you have been overweight for 5 or more years and have not been able to lose weight through diet and exercise, then you may be a good candidate.

Some people are under the mistaken impression that once they have this surgery, they will no longer have to worry about how much food they intake. These people have very unrealistic expectations of the Lap Band surgery.

However, other conditions may make some poor candidates for this weight loss surgery. This would include those addicted to drugs or alcohol, a person with a severe psychiatric illness, cancer patients who are not in remission and women who plan to become pregnant within a year.