Experts Back Relaxing Lap-Band Rules

U.S. regulators should allow use of Lap-Band weight loss surgery for more people, a group of experts says. The group provides advice to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Allergan Inc. makes the Lap-Band device. It is wrapped around the top part of the stomach to restrict how much food a person can eat. It’s now approved for use in people with a body mass index (BMI) of 40. This is someone who is severely obese. It’s also allowed if someone has a BMI of 35 and a related medical condition, such as diabetes. The expert panel voted December 3 to recommend approval for anyone with a BMI of at least 35. Someone with a BMI of 30 to 34.9 plus a related medical condition also could get the surgery. Supporters told the Associated Press that using the surgery earlier might help to prevent health problems.