U.S. Representatives Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) and John D. Dingell (D-Mich.) wrote a letter to the House Energy and Commerce Committee requesting an investigation into 1-800-GET-THIN and Allergen, the maker of the Lap-Band device.
The letter cited patient deaths and recent studies questioning the long-term effectiveness of the Lap-Band. Since 2009, five patients have died in Southern California after Lap-Band surgeries at clinics affiliated with 1-800-GET-THIN.
"We believe the committee should hold hearings to examine whether FDA device regulation has been ineffective in protecting the public from dangerous medical devices like the Lap-Band," the representatives wrote.
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The letter cited patient deaths and recent studies questioning the long-term effectiveness of the Lap-Band. Since 2009, five patients have died in Southern California after Lap-Band surgeries at clinics affiliated with 1-800-GET-THIN.
"We believe the committee should hold hearings to examine whether FDA device regulation has been ineffective in protecting the public from dangerous medical devices like the Lap-Band," the representatives wrote.
Related Articles on Weight Loss Surgery:
Device Makers Urge Coverage of Weight-Loss Surgery
Is Your Center Ready for Bariatric Patients? A Checklist from Drs. Scott Cunneen and Peter LePort
Obesity Surgery Mortality Risk Score Predicts Risk From Bariatric Surgery