Now is for Talking to Your Regular Doctor

An opinion you trust.

Choosing a surgeon can be tough, even with the guidelines and questions we’ve given you here. You might find you feel more comfortable getting feedback from your own doctor before you decide to see a surgeon. Your primary care doctor may even provide you with a Letter of Medical Necessity if you require one for insurance purposes.

Your discussion may include:

Your health and your weight

We realize that it’s a talk you may have had before. But because your regular doctor knows you already, he or she may be the best person to discuss your weight or weight-associated health risks. You should ask about your BMI, the health benefits of weight loss, and whether you might be a good candidate for weight loss surgery.

The LAP-BAND^® Adjustable Gastric Banding System

Although it’s the #1 selling gastric banding system in the U.S,¹ not every doctor is familiar with the LAP-BAND^® System so remember to ask for it by name. It’s also a good idea to speak to your doctor about the LAP-BAND^® System being the only FDA-approved gastric banding system for people with a BMI of at least 30 kg/m² with one or more comorbid conditions. So if you are 30 or more pounds above your ideal weight, with one or more obesity related comorbid conditions, the LAP-BAND^® System could be your answer for long-term weight loss.

If your doctor doesn’t know the procedure and its proven results, encourage him or her to learn more on this site. You can also suggest a visit our site for healthcare professionals.

Surgical recommendations

Your doctor may already know certified LAP-BAND^® System surgeons and be able to refer you to one. If not, your doctor can review the surgeon locator and suggest a few for you to consider. Or if you’ve found surgeons you’re interested in, your doctor may be able to help you determine the one best for you.

Questions for your doctor

To make the most of any doctor’s appointment, you should come prepared. But it’s easy (and common) to leave the doctor’s office remembering a few questions you wished you asked. To help make your conversation about long-term weight loss and the LAP-BAND^® System more complete, bring this list of questions to your next doctor’s appointment.

1. Data on File. Allergan, Inc. Irvine, CA. January, 2011.
2. Weight-control Information Network (WIN), an information service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Statistics related to overweight and obesity. June 2007. Available at: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/statistics/index.htm. Accessed August 13, 2007.
3. Sturm R. The effects of obesity, smoking and problem drinking on chronic medical problems and health care costs. Health Aff. 2002;21(2):245-253.
4. Weight-control Information Network (WIN), an information service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Do you know the health risks of being overweight? November 2004. Available at: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/health_risks.htm. Accessed June 6, 2007.
5. Frigg A, Peterli R, Peters T, Ackerman C, Tondelli P. Reduction in co-morbidities 4 years after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Obes Surg. 2004;14:216-223.
6. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinology Obesity Task Force. AACE/ACE Position Statement on the Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Obesity (1998 Revision). Endocr Pract. 1998;4:297-350.