Is the LAP-BAND Surgury Really Worth it All?

LAP-Band surgery has quickly become the most popular weight loss surgery in the world since its FDA approval in 2001ⁱ. Studies have proven that LAP-Band surgery is more effective in consistent weight loss than non-surgical therapy, substantially improving quality of life for the majority of suitable patients, with 30 or more pounds of excess fat to lose, over a 24-month periodⁱⁱ.

With obesity and weight an increasingly vital issue throughout the world there are new weight loss products released and more weight loss research being conducted every day. Despite healthy eating and an active lifestyle being consistently promoted it is reported that simple dieting can fail up to 95% of the timeⁱⁱⁱ.For individuals with serious weight issues laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (also known as LAP-Band) is a relatively safe and effective alternative to expensive and lengthy dietary and exercise routines.

The LAP-Band procedure involves inserting an adjustable silicon device into the body that is placed around the top of the stomach and moderates the size of the stomach, altering the amount of food the patient needs to consume to feel full and the amount of food the body will hold and process at any one time. Thanks to continually improving procedures that are minimally invasive, due to often involving just one small incision, there is a very low complication rate, especially when compared to other bariatric weight loss surgeriesⁱ.

The average cost of weight loss surgery is $30 000 US^iv.This does not include the cost of regular check ups and adjustments of the device that are required if consistent weight loss it to be expected. Some US patients attempt to save money by seeking surgery in Mexico but can be caught off guard when they realize they have to return regularly for on site adjustments and check upsⁱⁱⁱ. Only some insurance options cover LAP-Band surgeries and many patients experience extended delays and unexpected denials, making it essential that every patient ensure they are fully aware of their level of coverage before they go through with the surgeryⁱⁱⁱ. Furthermore, it is essential for all patients to be fully aware of the payment options available to them.

Scientific studies show that LAP-Band surgery is consistently more effective than non-surgical weight loss methods for both mild and moderate levels of obesity. It is also considered safe and effective for those who are morbidly obeseⁱⁱ. But regardless of how safe and effective the procedure may be it is still a form of bariatric surgery that should only be used as a last resort when a healthy diet and regular exercise does not achieve results.

i The International Laparoscopic Obesity Surgery Team, Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding in 2000 Consecutive Obese Patients: 12-Year Results, 2005. http://www.obesitylapbandsurgery.com/statsub.html accessed Nov 7th, 2009.

ii Paul E. O'Brien, MD; John B. Dixon, MBBS, PhD; Cheryl Laurie, RN; Stewart Skinner, MBBS, PhD; Joe Proietto, MBBS, PhD; John McNeil, MBBS, MSc, PhD; Boyd Strauss, MBBS, PhD; Sharon Marks, MBBS, PhD; Linda Schachter, MBBS; Leon Chapman, MBBS; and

Margaret Anderson, BHIM, "Treatment of Mild to Moderate Obesity with Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding or an Intensive Medical Program", Annals of Internal Medicine, Vol. 144 No. 9, May 2006.

iii iVital, Warning Issued by Permanent Weight Loss Lap-Band® Experts, 2008. http://directory.leadmaverick.com/iVital-Weight-Loss-Life-You/DallasFort-WorthArlington/TX/2/894/index.aspx accessed Nov 7th, 2009.

iBariatric Surgery.info: Statistics for Weight Loss Surgery. http://www.bariatric-surgery.info/statistics-weight-loss-surgeries.htm accessed Nov 7th, 2009.

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