FDA Reviewing Lap Band® for Less Obese Individuals

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Lap Band image courtesy of Allergan.com

Allergan Inc, maker of the popular Lap Band, is seeking FDA approval for the device to be used on patients with a body mass index below 40, according to a recent msnbc article.

The Lap Band – a device used for bariatric (weight loss) surgery is currently indicated for patients with

  • BMI of 40 or higher
  • BMI of 35 or higher combined with health problem such as diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure

The proposed change would make Lap Band available to patients who are at BMI of 35 or 30 with a weight-related health condition. Such patients are considered less obese, but still overweight and at risk.

According to the msnbc article, Allergan studied Lap Band surgery with 149 patients in the “less obese” group and found that over 80 percent lost at least 30 percent of their weight after one year. If approval is expanded for Lap Band, the device may become even more widely used by surgeons in the United States.

Are you considering Lap Band and wondering about your BMI? Use our BMI calculator (via the Instant Health Snapshot) or schedule a consultation at Surgical Arts of Inland Empire to learn more about BMI and indications for bariatric surgery.