Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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Multicenter Study
Safety and effectiveness of LAP-BAND AP System: results of Helping Evaluate Reduction in Obesity (HERO) prospective registry study at 1 year.
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding has several distinctive features, including band adjustability, easy reversibility, and lack of malabsorption, which contribute to its widespread use. The LAP-BAND AP System (LBAP; Allergan, Inc.), a redesigned and improved version of the original device, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2006. Because of limited information on LBAP, this study prospectively assesses the efficacy and safety of LBAP in real-world settings at clinical centers located in North America, Europe, and Australia. ⋯ At 1 year post LBAP, progressive weight loss was associated with improvement and/or resolution of comorbid conditions and was safe and well tolerated. Patient follow-up continues.