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Caitlin & Barbara's Story

Caitlin Van Zandt and her mother, Barbara, each needed to lose more than 100 pounds. Find out how they took the first step in their weight loss journey.

Caitlin

Before

After

Barbara

Before

After

Caitlin has also recorded a video journal to document her LAP-BAND^® Journey.

Watch her video now

From Caitlin Van Zandt

Dear Friends,
I have struggled with my weight my entire life. Since I was young, I’ve been on many diet and exercise programs, but no matter how hard I tried nothing ever worked. I’ve often heard people say that this is because I lack willpower, but this really wasn’t the case. I tried everything I could and would lose weight initially, only to gain it back. At only 22 years old, I needed to lose more than 100 pounds and suffered from high cholesterol and mild asthma, and just wasn’t happy.

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Have a question? Need more information? 1-800-LAP-BAND The LAP-BAND^® System Information Hotline is available 7 days a week.

Important LAP-BAND^® System Safety Information

Indications: The LAP-BAND^® System is indicated for weight reduction for patients with obesity, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40 kg/m² or a BMI of at least 30 kg/m² with one or more obesity related comorbid conditions.

Contraindications: The LAP-BAND^® System is not recommended for non-adult patients, patients with conditions that may make them poor surgical candidates or increase the risk of poor results (e.g., inflammatory or cardiopulmonary diseases, GI conditions, symptoms or family history of autoimmune disease, cirrhosis), who are unwilling or unable to comply with the required dietary restrictions, who have alcohol or drug addictions, or who currently are or may be pregnant.

Warnings: The LAP-BAND^® System is a long-term implant. Explant and replacement surgery may be required. Patients who become pregnant or severely ill, or who require more extensive nutrition may require deflation of their bands. Anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin, should be used with caution and may contribute to an increased risk of band erosion.

Adverse Events: Placement of the LAP-BAND^® System is major surgery and, as with any surgery, death can occur. Possible complications include the risks associated with the medications and methods used during surgery, the risks associated with any surgical procedure, and the patientâ€™s ability to tolerate a foreign object implanted in the body.

Band slippage, erosion and deflation, reflux, obstruction of the stomach, dilation of the esophagus, infection, or nausea and vomiting may occur. Reoperation may be required.

Rapid weight loss may result in complications that may require additional surgery. Deflation of the band may alleviate excessively rapid weight loss or esophageal dilation.

Important: For full safety information please visit www.lapband.com, talk with your doctor, or call Allergan Product Support at 1-800-624-4261.

CAUTION: Rx only.