Five year study of Lap-Band device for obesity published in International Journal of Obesity- Apollo Endosurgery

A five-year pivotal study, published in the International Journal of Obesity, tracked the health outcomes for 149 LAP-BAND patients from six US states with a BMI of 30 to 39.9. Results showed that 76% of patients achieved and sustained at least 30% EWL (excess weight lost) during the study period which substantially exceeded the primary effectiveness endpoint of at least 40% of subjects losing at least 30% of their excess body weight. Patients were followed up after surgery eight times in the first year, four times in the second year and twice per year thereafter.

Traditionally, weight loss surgery is indicated for use in weight reduction for severely obese patients with a BMI of 35 or higher while LAP-BAND System surgery is approved for patients with a BMI as low as 30 with one or more severe co-morbid conditions.

Comment: This study indicates that surgical therapy like gastric banding should be considered a treatment option for patients with a BMI as low as 30 to stop or slow the progression of obesity and associated co-morbidities.