? when was the first Lap-Band Surgery

[virginia 0]

Does anyone know when and where the first Lap-Band surgery was here in the u.s., was it 13 to 15 year's ago. is there a web site stating this. just wondering. if anyone knows could you let me know...Thank's...Virginia

[Alexandra 55]

Virginia, the lap band was only approved by the FDA for use in the U.S. in 2001. Before that there were clinical trials and I know there are bandsters still active on boards here and there who were banded in trials as early as 1998. But long-term experience is only available by looking at other countries, where it's been the bariatric surgery of preference for quite a while.

[virginia 0]

Thank's for the reply, a freind of my mother n law said she got the lap-band in 1993, I told her i didnt think that was true, just trying to find out the truth...Thanks...Virginia:confused:

[ralheit 0]

I remember band surgeries many years ago. But I don't think they were the same thing as the lap band we know today. As a matter of fact, I remember news stories about all sorts of complications and horror stories about them. There was no such thing as adjustable at that time. But I don't remember whether those news stories were from the US or not.

[Alexandra 55]

Virginia, your MIL's friend might have had a surgery called a VBG, vertical banded gastroplasty. That operation involved a non-adjustable band and has fallen completely out of favor due to poor results and complications.

[JJinLA 0]

My friend had the non adjustable band years ago, has had alot of problems & wants it removed but it is very complicated to do so.