A Simpler Weight-Loss Surgery

If you're at least 100 lbs. overweight, or twice your ideal bodyweight, you may have a surgical alternative to traditional gastric bypass (stomach stapling) surgery.

 

A new product, the LAP-BAND®, from INAMED Health, was approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration this past summer and to date has been used by about 95,000 people worldwide.

 
The LAP-BAND is surgically inserted into your body. It's wrapped around your stomach and, as it's tightened, creates a new, tiny stomach pouch. This restricts the amount of food that can be eaten at one time. It may also help cause a feeling of fullness after eating a smaller amount of food.
 
The LAP-BAND can be removed if there are any complications; when it's removed, the stomach reutrns to its normal size.
 
For more information, visit the LAP-BAND Web site.