New lower weight standard guidelines can make qualifying for lap-band surgery much easier now. That is good news for those wanting it.
The FDA has given the go ahead on the extended use of Lap-Band surgery for those with a BMI(body mass index) between 30 and 40. Previously, one had to have a BMI of 35 to 40. The new standards require that at least one obesity-related comorbid condition be present. This has been standard with the previously allowed higher weight guidelines. Being obese can carry added risk of high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, stroke, gallbladder disease, respiratory issues as well as the increased risk of certain cancers and type 2 diabetes.
Table of Contents
Weight Loss Surgery
If you meet the new standards and have daily lifestyle issues that make it wise to consider this surgery, it is important to know that the results of the FDA study showed that 83.9% of patients in the test lost 30% or more weight, when measured at the one year point following the surgical procedure.
This was double what was needed to allow the new lower BMI surgery to become approved. After one year, more than 65% of patients in the study were no longer obese. Additionally, up to 33% of the study patients with comorbidities had them resolved.
Obesity Affects Many
If you are obese, do not feel alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control’s 2003-2004 data, 66.3% of us in America are obese. Improving the quality of our daily lifestyles cannot be over-played.
An obese individual lives with the daily inconveniences and sometimes unpleasant experiences associated with the added weight. Just climbing a set of stairs or carrying laundry or groceries can become a much more difficult task than it should be. The surgery can cost between $10,000 and $20,000 and some insurance companies do offer assistance.
Become Bariatric Proactive
Recognizing that longevity and health is at stake allows those with a lower BMI to now qualify for the bariatric procedure to hopefully relieve accompanying comorbid conditions also. The Lap-Band was first approved for treating obesity in 2001. The adjustable gastric band surgical procedure has been found to result in weight loss that is substantially better than traditional behavioral or medical therapy. By becoming proactive, you can address the real long term issues of obesity, mainly chronic health conditions.
Learn About Lap Band
The first place to start learning about the lap band procedure, and to find out if you now qualify, is at a chosen bariatric facility in your area. Make an appointment and have a consultation with the experts.
Inquire about what to expect and ask to be “walked” through the procedure, and the post surgical recovery time, food issues and any other personal concerns you may have in order to be more confident in the decision making process.
They will also be able to assist you in determining if you qualify for insurance assistance. Lap band has been recognized as a beneficial procedure for those proactive individuals wanting to employ a one time approach to enjoying a healthy life. After all, a long and healthy life is a commendable goal.
Sources:
- Whittgrove, A.C. and G.W. Clark, Laparoscopic gastric bypass, roux-en-y, Obesity Surgery 2000, 10: 233-9
- Medline Plus: A Service of the US National library of Medicine NIH National Institutes of Health
- American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
- National Association for Weight Loss Surgery
