Weight-loss surgery centers can expect an increase in surgeries, following a decision by the Food and Drug Administration to expand the use of Lap-Band, a common stomach-restricting device, according to a Nashville Business Journal report.
Previously, the FDA recommended Lap-Band surgery for healthy patients with a BMI of over 40 or a BMI of 35 with at least one comorbidity. The recommendation has been altered to include patients with a BMI of 30 or above with at least one comorbidity.
According to Allergan, the company that manufactures the Lap-Band, around 37 million Americans have a BMI of 30 to 40 with at least one comorbid condition.
Read the Nashville Business Journal on the FDA's expansion of Lap Band eligibility.
Read more on Lap-Band:
-FDA Advisory Committee Recommends Approval for Lap-Band Surgery for Less Obese Patients
-Allergan Seeks Approval for Lap-Band Surgery for Less Obese Patients
-South Carolina to Cover 100 Obesity Surgeons Under Pilot Program
Previously, the FDA recommended Lap-Band surgery for healthy patients with a BMI of over 40 or a BMI of 35 with at least one comorbidity. The recommendation has been altered to include patients with a BMI of 30 or above with at least one comorbidity.
According to Allergan, the company that manufactures the Lap-Band, around 37 million Americans have a BMI of 30 to 40 with at least one comorbid condition.
Read the Nashville Business Journal on the FDA's expansion of Lap Band eligibility.
Read more on Lap-Band:
-FDA Advisory Committee Recommends Approval for Lap-Band Surgery for Less Obese Patients
-Allergan Seeks Approval for Lap-Band Surgery for Less Obese Patients
-South Carolina to Cover 100 Obesity Surgeons Under Pilot Program