Effective treatment with durable long term success for morbid obesity

Scientific studies have shown that the only effective treatment with durable long term success for morbid obesity is surgery.1-4 Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) to include the Lap Band procedure is fast becoming the most common bariatric surgery procedure in the united states. Multiple studies have clearly demonstrated that treatment with the Lap Band alone can lead to significant weight loss and improvement of various obesity related medical conditions, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, sleep apnea and hypercholesterolemia. These results have convinced many surgeons to perform this procedure as the definitive bariatric operation in selected patients. The Lap Band was first FDA approved in the United States in 2001 but laparoscopic gastric banding has been used in Europe for over 20 years. When the Lap Band was first introduced in the United States, the Lap Band was classified as an investigational procedure by insurance companies. In the ensuing years, however, as a result of the compelling clinical benefits associated with the Lap Band, most major insurance providers have started to cover the operation as a primary bariatric procedure. This policy change popularized Lap Band use among bariatric surgeons and also patients. In early 2011, another milestone was achieved for the Lap Band: The FDA approved it as the first and only bariatric surgery procedure for patients with Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30 with an obesity related medical condition. Gastric bypass surgery, gastric sleeve and the Realize Band are all only approved for patients with at least a BMI of 35 in contradistinction to the Lap Band. However, the majority of insurance companies have not yet accepted the lower BMI indication for coverage of the Lap Band. Patient demand, bariatric surgeon support, new evidence based scientific studies confirming the benefits in addition to decreased future health costs, and market forces may nudge the new lower BMI indications of the FDA closer toward widespread acceptance by insurance companies.

1-800-GET-THIN LLC, has helped thousands initiate their weight loss journey. 1800GETTHIN believes that those who wish to lose extensive weight can best be served by education regarding weight loss procedures including the Lap Band to determine if it is the weight loss treatment is right for them. If you are interested in learning more about the Lap Band procedure and attending a seminar at a location closest to you, please call 1800 GET THIN. More information can also be obtained at 1800GETTHIN.com.

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3. Diesel A, Kuhum JA, McCarty TM. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in morbidly obese and super morbidly obese patients. Am J Surg. 2004;187:230–232.
4. De Maria EJ, Schauer P, Patterson E, et al. The optimal surgical management of the super-obese patient: the debate. Presented at the annual meeting of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, Hollywood, Florida, April 13–16, 2005. Surg Innov. 2005;12(2):107–121.