Blog Posts

Dispelling myths: No one wants the Lap-Band®

December 26, 2019

There are many misconceptions about the Lap-Band® System. One myth is that no one is undergoing the Lap-Band Procedure any longer. Statistics and success stories show that this simply isn’t true.

The Lap-Band is an effective system for many people. It doesn’t involve ineffective tactics like diet pills or fad diets, and patients don’t have to undergo invasive surgery. The Lap-Band Procedure is performed laparoscopically, so there is minimal time spent in the hospital recovering. The procedure is also non-anatomy altering and reversible, contrary to most other bariatric surgeries. The Lap-Band is also adjustable, making it an effective option for many people looking to meet their weight-loss goals. The procedure allows for people to get back to their lives quickly and start their weight-loss journey.

There is a perception that patients aren’t requesting the Lap-Band Procedure. While the Lap-Band appears to have lost popularity, it is most likely due to reduced advertising and increased promotions for alternative procedures or fad diets. Other myths have also been spread about the Lap-Band saying that it is ineffective or that bands have high erosion rates—neither of which is true. Surgeons have continued to train on the procedure throughout the years, improving both the band and the aftercare process for patients. Surgeons are continuously modifying their aftercare protocol, increasing the frequency of patient follow-up. As best practice learned experiences have come about from other successful band programs, adjustment techniques have also been refined, allowing for patients to consume smaller volumes more often.

After receiving the Lap-Band Procedure, countless patients have reported tremendous results. The Lap-Band has allowed them to completely transform their lives, finding happiness and no longer facing the daily issues caused by excess weight. Individual patients’ experiences and results may differ, but if you are considering weight-loss surgery, it is worth talking to a specialist.

Source:

  • Haskins, Owen, ed. Dispelling LAP-BAND Myths (2019). Bariatric News. (42), 19.

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Important Lap-Band® System Safety Information

The ReShape Lap-Band Systems are approved for adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of at least 30 with health conditions related to obesity, who have not seen success with other weight loss methods, like supervised diet, exercise, and behavior modification programs. Choosing this surgery means committing to changes in eating habits for the long term.

The Lap-Band procedure is not approved for individuals under 18 yo, those with conditions that may make them poor surgical candidates or lead to poor results, such as inflammatory or cardiopulmonary diseases, problems with the stomach and digestion, symptoms or family history of autoimmune disease, scarring of the liver, individuals unable or unwilling to follow the necessary dietary restrictions, individuals with alcohol or drug addictions, or those currently pregnant. Individuals who become pregnant after band placement may require deflation of their bands.

The ReShape Lap-Band Systems, a long-term tool, may need to be adjusted if you get pregnant, sick, or malnourished. Be careful with anti-inflammatory drugs as they could make the band wear away. Like any surgery, placement of the Lap-Band may have complications such as risks from drugs and methods used, general surgery risks, how well your body handles a foreign object, or in rare cases, risk of death.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with metabolic and bariatric surgery that you and your doctor should discuss. Potential risks associated with the Lap-Band include nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach blockage, constipation, swallowing difficulty, diarrhea, abnormal stools, abdominal pain, weakness, incision pain, infection, fever, hernia, chest pain, band movement, stomach pouch expansion, unusual healing, pain at the port site, port movement, and/or hair loss. Additional surgery might be needed. Losing weight quickly could lead to complications requiring more surgery. 

Talk to your doctor, and/or visit our website at www.lapband.com/safety/ for more information on its benefits and risks.

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