Talking to Your Regular Doctor

An opinion you trust.

Choosing a surgeon can be tough, even with the guidelines and questions we’ve given you here. You might find you feel more comfortable getting feedback from your own doctor before you decide to see a surgeon. Your primary care doctor may even provide you with a Letter of Medical Necessity if you require one for insurance purposes. Your discussion may include:

Your health and your weight

We realize that it’s a talk you may have had before. But because your regular doctor knows you already, he or she may be the best person to discuss your weight or weight-associated health risks. You should ask about your BMI, the health benefits of weight loss, and whether you might be a good candidate for weight loss surgery.

The LAP-BAND^® Adjustable Gastric Banding System

Although it’s the #1 selling and most preferred gastric banding system in the U.S,¹ not every doctor is familiar with the LAP-BAND^® System so remember to ask for it by name. If your doctor doesn’t know the procedure and its proven results, encourage him or her to learn more on this site. You can also suggest a visit to LapBandCentral.com, a site for health professionals.

Surgical recommendations

Your doctor may already know certified LAP-BAND^® System surgeons and be able to refer you to one. If not, he or she can review the health professional database on LapBandCentral.com and suggest a few for you to consider. Or if you’ve found surgeons you’re interested in, your doctor may be able to help you determine the one best for you.

1. Data on File. Allergan, Inc. Irvine, CA. November, 2009.
2. Weight-control Information Network (WIN), an information service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Statistics related to overweight and obesity. June 2007. Available at: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/statistics/index.htm. Accessed August 13, 2007.
3. Sturm R. The effects of obesity, smoking and problem drinking on chronic medical problems and health care costs. Health Aff. 2002;21(2):245-253.
4. Weight-control Information Network (WIN), an information service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Do you know the health risks of being overweight? November 2004. Available at: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/health_risks.htm. Accessed June 6, 2007.
5. Frigg A, Peterli R, Peters T, Ackerman C, Tondelli P. Reduction in co-morbidities 4 years after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Obes Surg. 2004;14:216-223.
6. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinology Obesity Task Force. AACE/ACE Position Statement on the Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Obesity (1998 Revision). Endocr Pract. 1998;4:297-350.