oBand Benefits and Risks
With any elective medical procedure, it’s very important to consider the potential risks as well as the longer term benefits during the course of your research.
Benefits
The oBand® procedure can have a tremendously positive effect on your life. The procedure is a powerful first step towards letting go of old habits, achieving and maintaining a healthier weight, and improving your overall well being.
oBand® performs the minimally invasive procedure laparoscopically in an outpatient facility.
Patients who undergo the Lap-Band procedure may not only experience substantial weight loss and decrease in BMI, but also significant improvement and/or resolution of various chronic diseases frequently linked to obesity such as:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Sleep Apnea
- Acid reflux
In addition to the obvious physical benefits, the positive psychological effects are truly amazing. Listen to some of our former patients talk about their lives after oBand®.
Risks: The information you need to make the right decision for yourself.
While the LAP-BAND® System is less invasive than other surgical weight loss procedures, it’s important to note: all surgical procedures have risks. Therefore, before you decide on any procedure, it’s important to know what the risks are. Talk with your surgeon in detail about the risks and complications that might arise during your LAP-BAND® System procedure.
Important LAP-BAND® System Safety Information
Indications: The LAP-BAND® System is indicated for weight reduction for patients with obesity, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40 kg/m2 or a BMI of at least 30 kg/m2 with one or more obesity related comorbid conditions.
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 (e.g., inflammatory or cardiopulmonary diseases, GI conditions, symptoms or family history of autoimmune disease, cirrhosis), who are unwilling or unable to comply with the required dietary restrictions, who have alcohol or drug addictions, or who currently are or may be pregnant.
Warnings: The LAP-BAND® System is a long-term implant. Explant and replacement surgery may be required. Patients who become pregnant or severely ill, or who require more extensive nutrition may require deflation of their bands. 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, reflux, 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.
For complete data on risks and benefits of the Lap-Band procedures, please visit http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf/P000008b.pdf