The Lap-Band System is a surgical weight-loss device that was approved for use by the Federal Drug Administration in 2001. In the Lap-Band System U.S. clinical trial, according to an FDA document, the device helped obese patients lose an average of 36 percent of their excess weight within three years of having the device implanted.
About Lap-Band
Though commonly used to refer to any type of adjustable gastric banding surgery, the term "Lap-Band" is a trademarked name for a device manufactured and distributed by Allergen Inc. The Lap-Band device consists of a flexible ring that is inserted around the upper portion of the stomach to reduce its capacity. A silicone tube attached to the band leads to a port, which is placed underneath the skin of the abdomen and used to adjust the tightness of the band.
Cost of Surgery
According to Allergen, the cost of the Lap-Band procedure ranges anywhere from $12,000 to $25,000 in 2010, depending on the fees charged by your surgeon, the facility where your surgery is performed and the anesthesiologist. Adjustments are typically included for the first year. After the first year, adjustments and other follow-up visits range between $35 and $200.
Cost of Obesity
The cost of Lap-Band surgery may be lower than the continued cost of medical conditions associated with obesity, which include hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. According to a 2006 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obese individuals spend 42 percent more annually for medical care than average-weight people. Overweight individuals may experience higher costs for medication and more frequent doctors' office visits, plus fees for lab work and non-surgical weight-loss programs. They also commonly earn lower wages, miss more work and face higher travel costs than average-weight people.
Insurance Requirements
Many insurance companies cover the cost of Lap-Band surgery, provided you meet certain requirements. You may have to provide a complete medical history for five years or more, follow a pre-surgical diet for six months in order to demonstrate that you are able to make the necessary diet and lifestyle changes, show that you have been unable to lose weight using other methods and undergo a pre-surgical psychological evaluation.
Related Costs
Any type of weight-loss surgery involves related pre- and post-surgical costs that you should also take into consideration. You may wish to attend ongoing psychological counseling, enroll in a fitness program, or work with a personal trainer or nutritionist to meet your diet and fitness goals. You may also be required to take protein supplements and other dietary supplements for the rest of your life to prevent malnourishment.
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