The LAP-BAND® System Advantage

Many people have already chosen the LAP-BAND® System for the following reasons:

• No stomach cutting or stapling, or intestinal re-routing
• 10 times lower short-term mortality rate than gastric bypass¹
• Can be adjusted to meet your individual needs, and can be reversed if necessary
• Steady, healthy weight loss
• #1 selling adjustable gastric band for weight loss worldwide

The new LAP-BAND AP® System, designed to extend the proven performance of the LAP-BAND® System, has several additional features including the highest available fill volume for more precise adjustments.

Insurance and Other Payment Options

Today many health plans (including Medicare and, in some states, Medicaid) cover the cost of LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System surgery. This means that most, if not all costs, may be paid.
Next Step: Review Your Insurance Policy

There are circumstances where health plans will not cover the LAP-BAND® System surgery, regardless of your medical necessity. In these situations, there are other financing options you may want to consider, such as out of pocket payment and patient financing.

Ask the Doctor
Dr. Christine Ren, a leading Weight Loss Surgeon at New York University Medical Center, answers frequently asked questions about the LAP-BAND® System:

Q: How is the LAP-BAND® System procedure different than other weight loss surgeries?
A: The LAP-BAND® System is less invasive than gastric bypass surgery, since there is no cutting, stapling, or intestinal rerouting involved. It is also adjustable, allowing for an individualized weight-loss rate, and is reversible at any time. The procedure generally requires only a 1-night hospital stay and has a mortality rate that is 10 times less than the gastric bypass procedure.

Q: Will I feel hungry if I have the LAP-BAND® System?
A: The LAP-BAND® makes you eat less and feel full in 2 ways: first by reducing the capacity of your stomach and second by increasing the time it takes food to get through the digestive system. After a small meal, you should feel full. If you follow the nutrition guidelines when you choose your food and then chew it well, you should not feel hungry or deprived. I always remind my patients that the LAP-BAND® is a tool to help you control portions and make healthy food choices.

Q: How much weight loss can a person expect to see?
A: Weight loss results vary from patient to patient, and your motivation and commitment is key. A weight loss of 2 to 3 pounds a week in the first year after the operation is possible, but 1 pound a week is more likely. Twelve to eighteen months after the operation, weekly weight loss is usually less. Remember, patients should lose weight gradually. Losing weight too quickly creates a health risk and can lead to a number of problems. While surgeons report that gastric bypass patients lose weight faster in the first year, after 2 to 3 years most LAP-BAND® patients have achieved weight loss equal to that of gastric bypass patients.

a brief description of relevant indications for use, contraindications, warnings, and adverse events of the lap-band® system

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.

Contraindications: The LAP-BAND® System is not recommended for non-adult patients, patients with conditions that may make them poor surgical candidates or increase the risk of poor results, who are unwilling or unable to comply with the required dietary restrictions, or who currently are or may become pregnant.

Warnings: The LAP-BAND® System is a long-term implant. Explant and replacement surgery may be required at some time. Patients who become pregnant or severely ill, or who require more extensive nutrition may require deflation of their bands. Patients should not expect to lose weight as fast as gastric bypass patients, and band inflation should proceed in small increments. Anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin, should be used with caution and may contribute to an increased risk of band erosion.

Adverse Events: Placement of the LAP-BAND® System is major surgery and, as with any surgery, death can occur. Possible complications include the risks associated with the medications and methods used during surgery, the risks associated with any surgical procedure, and the patient’s ability to tolerate a foreign object implanted in the body. Band slippage, erosion and deflation, obstruction of the stomach, dilation of the esophagus, infection, or nausea and vomiting may occur. Reoperation may be required. Rapid weight loss may result in complications that may require additional surgery. Deflation of the band may alleviate excessively rapid weight loss or esophageal dilation.

Not all contraindications, warnings, or adverse events are included in this brief description. More detailed risk information is available on www.lapband.com or at 1-800-LAPBAND.