Friday, February 18, 2011
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Individuals suffering from obesity who have been unsuccessful at traditional approaches to weight loss may now benefit from recent FDA approval for the expanded use of the gastric banding procedure, LAP-BAND®, a minimally invasive surgical weight loss option offered at Presbyterian Hospital locations in Charlotte and Huntersville. The FDA’s announcement now approves the LAP-BAND® procedure as a long-term, effective treatment option for more patients – individuals with a BMI of 30 to 40 who experience one or more weight-related health conditions, such as Type II Diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease and joint pain. Currently, David C. Voellinger M.D., F.A.C.S. and Donald Balder, M.D., F.A.C.S., with Southeast Bariatrics, are the only bariatric surgeons in Charlotte to offer the LAP-BAND® procedure.
“North Carolina has the 12th highest obesity rate in the nation and 62 percent of our community suffers from the disease of obesity,” says Dr. Balder. “As a result of the FDA approval to expand usage of the LAP-BAND® procedure, Presbyterian Healthcare and Southeast Bariatrics will be able to serve the needs of thousands individuals in North Carolina - and beyond - who now qualify to benefit from the lower risk of complications, reduced pain, shorter hospital stay and decreased recovery time associated with this obesity treatment option,” says Balder.
Prior to the announcement, the LAP-BAND® procedure was offered only to patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 to 40 who experienced least one obesity-related health issue. The surgical procedure is performed through a laparoscopic surgical approach during which, the gastric banding device is placed around to the top portion of the patient’s stomach to create a small pouch. As a result, patients experience an earlier feeling of “fullness” and achieve long-term weight loss while maintaining a healthy diet. In addition, the LAP-BAND® device can be removed or reversed and is adjusted to meet the individual health needs of each patient.
“Obesity continues to affect a growing number of individuals in the United States with over 65 million people who have a BMI of 30 or higher, and most are not aware of the advanced, safe and effective treatment options – such as the LAP-BAND ® - that are available,” says Balder. “Our focus is to provide these individuals with the care and support they need to achieve long-term weight loss success and experience a healthier, improved quality of life.”
Individuals who would like to learn more about the LAP-BAND® or weight loss options right for their health needs are encouraged to attend a free new-patient seminar, offered monthly by Southeast Bariatrics in Charlotte, Cornelius and Salisbury. In addition, those interested in registering for the weight loss seminar or receiving additional information about the services offered at Southeast Bariatrics can call 704-347-4144 or register online at www.southeastbariatrics.com.
