Lap Band Shows Encouraging Results for Lower BMI Patients

New studies suggest that the Lap-Band, a common surgical weight loss procedure, is safe and effective for patients with a lower body-mass index than initially believed. The lap band qualifications initially required patients to have a body-mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher and patients with a BMI of 35–39.9 with an obesity-related condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes. 

Now, the FDA has approved its use in patients with a lower BMI. They expanded Lap-Band surgery qualifications to include people with a BMI of 30-35 (about 35-75 pounds overweight) who have one or more obesity-related medical conditions. Let’s discuss the results of Lap-Band surgery in these patients.

Procedure Results in Low-BMI Patients

The study found encouraging results. For instance, participants had an average excess weight loss of 65 percent at one-year post-surgery, with as much as 85 percent of the group shedding at least 30 percent of their excess weight.

All participants were considered lower BMI patients. They had either a BMI of 35–39.9 without an obesity-related condition or a BMI of 30–34.9 with at least one obesity-related condition.

Also, the study reported some improvement in many patients’ obesity-related conditions in addition to the encouraging weight loss results. Eighty-five percent of patients with diabetes saw improvement at one year, 64 percent of those with high cholesterol, and 59 percent of those with high blood pressure also improved.

Fortunately, patients found that side effects were minimal to moderate and subsided within a month. The results were maintained or improved at two years post-surgery, suggesting that the band is a safe and effective weight-loss tool for patients who are moderately obese. 

Who Qualifies for Lap-Band Surgery? 

Candidates for Lap-Band surgical weight-loss should meet the BMI standards listed above. Those who undergo weight-loss surgery should be prepared for a long-term commitment. This includes making significant changes in their lifestyle and eating habits. More lap-band surgery qualifications include:

• Patients with a BMI of 35 or less should have at least one obesity-related condition.
• Patients should be 18 years or older.
• Patients have a record of previous unsuccessful weight-loss attempts.
• Patients should have a healthy relationship with alcohol.
• Patients should not be pregnant (patients who become pregnant after their gastric band placement may require adjustments or removal)

Talk to your doctor or the medical professionals at Olde Del Mar Surgical to determine if you could be a candidate for Lap-Band surgery. There are many options for weight-loss surgery, so it’s important to pick the procedure that’s right for you.

Lap-Band Surgery at Olde Del Mar Surgical

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding is the second most common type of bariatric surgery. It’s a less invasive operation than gastric bypass surgery, which is the most common procedure. So, it’s an appealing option for many people looking to lose weight efficiently.

Lap-Band surgery does not require a reconfiguration of the digestive tract. Surgeons place an inflatable silicone gastric band around the stomach’s upper portion to manage food intake. Ultimately, doctors can adjust the band’s tightness during an out-patient visit to their office without the need for further surgery.

You can learn more about Lap-Band surgery by reaching out to Olde Del Mar Surgical. Schedule a consultation, and we can discuss all your options. We’d love to hear from you and help you along your weight loss journey!