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Is the Lap-Band® System right for me?

August 29, 2019

Are you wondering if the Lap-Band® System is the right weight-loss tool for you? It’s important to understand who the system is designed for, who qualifies for the procedure, and why it can be the best option for you.

Before heading on the weight-loss journey, you need to find the right system for you and your lifestyle, whether that means adopting a new diet, undergoing surgery, or both. In order to lose weight safely with the Lap-Band Procedure, you are required to meet specific criteria. For starters, you must be 18-years-old or older. You must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40 kg/m². If you have an obesity-related comorbid condition, you can have a BMI of 30 kg/m² and still qualify for Lap-Band. If you suffer from a disease that may have caused weight gain, you may not qualify for the procedure. You should have a history of unsuccessful weight-loss attempts.

The Lap-Band is a great tool for weight loss, but it is not a cure. Individuals who decide to have the Lap-Band Procedure must be prepared to change their lifestyle and their eating habits. Without these changes, the Lap-Band may not be as effective as it should be. Individuals should also not drink an excessive amount of alcohol, and they must commit to a strict diet. If you are pregnant, it is best to pursue the Lap-Band Procedure following the pregnancy. However, if you become pregnant after you have the Lap-Band, it does not need to be removed. The Lap-Band System is the only weight-loss surgery option that is adjustable and can adapt to the changing requirements of pregnancy.

Your Lap-Band Specialist will determine if you have any number of factors that may negatively impact the effectiveness of the Lap-Band. Any of the following conditions may impact the safety of the procedure, and therefore you may fail to qualify:

  • Inflammatory disease or gastrointestinal tract conditions
  • Heart or lung disease
  • Increased risk of bleeding in the esophagus or stomach, or birth defects in these areas
  • Portal Hypertension
  • An intraoperative gastric injury
  • Cirrhosis
  • Chronic Pancreatitis
  • Alcohol or drug addiction
  • Infection in the body that prevents surgery
  • Chronic, long-term steroid treatment
  • Allergies to materials in the Lap-Band
  • Pain intolerance to implanted devices
  • Autoimmune connective tissue diseases (in you or a family member)

The Lap-Band is a long-term implant. Removal or replacement may be necessary, especially for individuals who become ill. Placement of the Lap-Band is done laparoscopically, but it is still a major surgery that is subject to risks and complications. The most common complications include: band slippage, pouch dilation, stoma obstruction, gastroesophageal reflux, esophageal dilation, cholelithiasis, incisional infection, abdominal pain, gastroenteritis, or nausea/vomiting. See Lap-Band Directions for Use (DFU) for full list of complication.

The Lap-Band has the power to change your life. Speak with your specialist today to learn more about the Lap-Band System and to begin your weight-loss journey: https://www.www.lapband.com/find-a-specialist/

Sources:

  • Directions for Use (DFU). LAP-BAND AP® Adjustable Gastric Banding System with OMNIFORM® Design. Click here for details.
  • The LAP-BAND® System Surgical Aid in the Treatment of Obesity – a decision guide for adults. ReShape Lifesciences Inc. 04-0409 Rev. A. 04/17/19
  • O’Brien, Annemarie Hindle, Leah Brennan, Stewart Skinner, Paul Burton, et al. “Long-Term Outcomes After Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Weight Loss at 10 or More Years for All Bariatric Procedures and a Single-Centre Review of 20-Year Outcomes After Adjustable Gastric Banding.” Obesity Surgery. The Journal of Metabolic Surgery and Allied Care. Published online: 06 October 2018. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-018-3525-0

©2019 ReShape Lifesciences Inc        All Rights Reserved                 Part Number 04-0477 Rev. A

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Important Lap-Band® System Safety Information

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. It is indicated for use only in adult patients who have failed more conservative weight reduction alternatives, such as supervised diet, exercise and behavior modification programs. Patients who elect to have this surgery must make the commitment to accept significant changes in their eating habits for the rest of their lives.

The Lap-Band System is not recommended for non-adult patients (patients under 18 years of age), patients with conditions that may make them poor surgical candidates or increase the risk of poor results, who are unwilling or unable to comply with the required dietary restrictions, or who currently are or may be pregnant.

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.

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 patient’s ability to tolerate a foreign object implanted in the body. Most common related adverse events include: Band slippage, pouch dilation, stoma obstruction, gastroesophageal reflux, esophageal dilation, cholelithiasis, incisional infection, abdominal pain, gastroenteritis, 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 click here or talk with your doctor.