The LAP-BAND^® System in Your Practice

The growing importance of weight loss surgery

Diet, exercise, behavior modification and pharmacotherapy are only moderately effective weight loss methods. Most patients regain whatever weight they do manage to lose.  Because weight loss surgery has demonstrated impressive and sustained success rates, more and more physicians are recommending surgical procedures for morbidly obese patients.

Studies have shown that laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), using the LAP-BAND^® System, has comparable efficacy to traditional bariatric surgery, yet is less invasive and safer. The number of LAGB procedures, ie, using the LAP-BAND^® System, is estimated to increase by 19.8% between 2005 and 2010.

Long-term follow-up is essential for successful weight loss surgery

Unlike other surgical procedures with minimal follow-up, weight loss surgery requires long-term patient monitoring and support. For this reason, it is not sufficient simply to refer a patient for LAP-BAND^® surgery. You will need to become involved in the patient’s follow-up care. You may even choose to incorporate some type of “obesity management program” into your practice.

While such programs may bring additional patients and revenue into your practice, they are also invaluable for helping to improve your patients’ quality of life. Surgical weight reduction has been proven to resolve or improve numerous comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, asthma, sleep apnea, and gastroesophageal reflux.^2-7