Food and Drug Administration approved a lower recommended body mass index (BMI) threshold for Lap-Band weight loss surgery, to a BMI of 30 for patients with at least one obesity-related condition.
Lap-Band is a procedure that helps patients lose weight by restricting the amount of food that can be consumed at each meal.

Obesity is correlated with numerous serious conditions, including heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea and Type 2 diabetes.
When obese patients lose weight, their symptoms often decrease dramatically. So does their chance of premature death.

A common misconception is that obesity can always be cured through diet and exercise. That concept couldn’t be further from the truth.
Though healthy eating habits and active lifestyles are important, many obese Americans are unable to lose 40-100 pounds or more without surgical intervention.

For those who are unable to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, Lap-Band surgery is a powerful tool.
It is not a quick fix and requires continuous work.
Post-surgery, patients must make lifestyle changes to keep their bodies healthy.

Read More:  http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110224/OPINION03/102240373/FDA-makes-more-people-eligible-gastric-band-surgery