FDA OKs Lap-Band use for the less obese

The Lap-Band gastric banding device has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for people who are less obese than previous candidates, device maker Allergan said. People may now qualify for the stomach-restricting device if they have failed other weight-loss regimens and have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 to 40. Some 37 million Americans have a BMI in that range, along with at least one coexisting condition such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea, the company said in a news release. Previously, the device - a silicone band - had been restricted to people with a BMI of at least 35 if they had a related chronic health condition or 40 if they had no such problem. - HealthDay