Americans are losing the battle against obesity. About six percent of national health expenditures are obesity related. The American Obesity Association estimates obesity-related costs exceed $200 billion every year in the U.S.

Diet and exercise are the primary non-surgical treatments for many Americans. We spend more than $35 billion annually on weight loss products and services. However, those non-surgical options are not a foolproof solution. In fact, it has been shown they have a 95% failure rate after five years. That means almost all weight lost through diet, exercise and pharmaceutical weight-management tools returns within five years.

Anyone trying to lose large amounts of weight understands it is an uphill battle that seems never ending. But patients now have a secret weapon in the weight loss war – Lap Band surgery. Lap Band is safe, effective and the least invasive weight loss surgery option available. Since the FDA approved the Lap Band procedure in 2001, it has rapidly become a popular weight loss aid. Already, more than 150,000 patients around the world have had the Lap Band system procedure.

Lap Band surgery involves making a small incision in the abdomen to attach a band around the upper stomach. The band creates a smaller stomach pouch that allows the patient to feel satisfied with less food. Lap Band is by far the safest weight loss surgery available. There is no cutting or stapling of the stomach or gastrointestinal re-routing. Since the procedure is less invasive than other options, it means less scarring, a shorter hospital stay, less risk of infection, a lower risk of nutrition deficiencies, and a lower mortality rate.

The band is adjustable, allowing for a number of other benefits to the patient. A Lap Band surgeon will be able to individualize the weight loss treatment for each patient. Any adjustments that need to be made after the surgery can be done in a simple outpatient procedure. The band will be adjusted according to the patient’s weight loss goals, the amount of food that can be eaten comfortably, the person’s exercise regimen, and other health issues. The Lap Band system procedure is the only reversible weight loss option and causes no damage to the digestive organs. In fact, the patient’s stomach will be allowed to return to its normal form and capacity when the band is removed.

Lap Band surgeries are better for the patient and are very effective over a number of years. Patients lose an average of one to two pounds per week, while heavier patients will lose more at the beginning of the treatment. Overall, patients will drop between 50 and 100 pounds in the first year of the treatment. Not only does that weight come off, it stays off.