The LAP-BANDŽ Adjustable Gastric Banding System is the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
approved adjustable gastric band for use in weight reduction. Used in more than 300,000 procedures
worldwide, this simple reversible surgically implanted device has safely helped severely obese adults
successfully achieve and maintain long-term weight loss. The LAP-BANDŽ System was approved by the
FDA in June 2001 for severely obese adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more or for adults with a
BMI of at least 35 plus at least one severe obesity-related health condition, such as Type 2 diabetes,
hypertension and asthma.
This BMI(Body Mass Index) calculator can help you determine your BMI for the purposes of determining eligibility.
Click to view our Frequently Asked Questions page where you can find answers to the most common questions about Lap-Band.
How the LAP-BANDŽ Adjustable Gastric Banding System Works:
The LAP-BANDŽ System was developed to facilitate long-term weight loss and reduce the health risks
associated with severe and morbid obesity. Unlike gastric bypass, it does not involve stomach cutting,
stapling or intestinal re-routing.1,2,3 Using laparoscopic surgical techniques, the device is placed around the
top portion of the patients stomach, creating a small pouch. By reducing stomach capacity, the LAPBAND
Ž System can help achieve long-term weight loss by creating an earlier feeling of satiety. The LAPBAND
Ž System is adjustable, which means that the inflatable band can be tightened or loosened to help the
patient achieve a level of satiety while maintaining a healthy diet. It is also reversible and can be removed
at any time.
Key Benefits of the LAP-BANDŽSystem over Gastric Bypass:
Safer, Less Invasive Surgical Option:
The LAP-BANDŽ System can be applied to the top portion of the stomach laparoscopically using
"keyhole" surgery, which offers the advantages of reduced pain, length of hospital stay and recovery
period1,2
The LAP-BANDŽ System procedure has a lower severe complication rate perioperatively (less than
1 percent) and lower mean short-term mortality rate (0.05 percent, approximately 1/10 the mortality
rate of gastric bypass)3
The LAP-BANDŽ System carries fewer risks of vitamin and mineral deficiencies than gastric bypass4
The LAP-BANDŽ System has non-surgical adjustments that help the patient attain and maintain a
healthy satiety level and minimize the potential for weight regain
The LAP-BANDŽ System is reversible and it can be removed at any time
LAP-BANDŽSystem Effectiveness:
In clinical studies of severely obese patients, the LAP-BANDŽ System has been demonstrated to be
an effective surgical method for weight loss, improving co-morbid conditions such as Type 2
diabetes and hypertension and reducing the use of medication to treat those conditions5
Adjustibility helps patients sustain long-term weight loss benefits
LAP-BANDŽSystem Reimbursement:
The LAP-BANDŽ System is covered by most health plans and Medicare.
Indications: The LAP-BAND® System is indicated for use in weight reduction for severely obese patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40 or a BMI of at least 35 with one or more severe comorbid conditions, or those who are 100 lbs. or more over their estimated ideal weight.
The LAP-BANDŽ System was developed to facilitate long-term weight loss and reduce the health risks
associated with severe and morbid obesity. Unlike gastric bypass, it does not involve stomach cutting,
stapling or intestinal re-routing.1,2,3 Using laparoscopic surgical techniques, the device is placed around the
top portion of the patients stomach, creating a small pouch. By reducing stomach capacity, the LAPBAND
Ž System can help achieve long-term weight loss by creating an earlier feeling of satiety. The LAPBAND
Ž System is adjustable, which means that the inflatable band can be tightened or loosened to help the
patient achieve a level of satiety while maintaining a healthy diet. It is also reversible and can be removed
at any time.
