What is LAP-BAND® Surgery?
The LAP-BAND® System is a minimally invasive surgery that does not require intestinal re-routing, cutting or stapling of the stomach wall or bowel as with gastric bypass surgery. LAP-BAND is often performed on an outpatient basis, requires only small incisions and results in minimal scarring, reduced post-surgical pain, shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times. Most people return to work/normal activities within a week.
Fewer Risks and Side Effects
LAP-BAND surgery has a ten times lower short-term mortality rate than gastric bypass surgery, plus low risk of post-surgical nutritional deficiencies associated with gastric bypass. The band is adjustable, which allows for a personalized, steady, healthy rate of weight loss. It’s a surgical weight loss option specifically designed for long-term weight maintenance. More than 500,000 LAP-BAND devices have been distributed worldwide, making it the #1 selling adjustable gastric band for weight loss on the planet. After more than 10 years of medical studies and academic publications, LAP-BAND sets the "gold standard" of care in obesity treatment for hundreds of surgeons worldwide. It’s even reversible, allowing the stomach and other anatomy to return to their original state and function after removal.
Are You A Candidate for the LAP-BAND System?
The NIH (National Institutes of Health) requirements are the same as for any other weight loss surgery. These criteria were originally set in the early 1990s and have not changed. If your BMI, or body mass index, is between 35 and 39, then you must also have associated severe medical problems, or co-morbid conditions, in order to be a candidate for the LAP-BAND. These conditions usually include diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol. If your BMI is greater than 40, then you are not required to have any associated medical problems.
Most insurance companies also require a history of your previous attempts at weight loss. These requirements differ from one insurance company to another. Many people do not meet the NIH requirements nor do they have insurance benefits for weight loss surgery, but they may still be able to undergo the procedure by paying for it themselves.
