Please note, The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP is no longer accepting Lap Band claims. If you feel that you may have a potential case, we urge you to locate another law firm adequately suited to handle your claim.
Adding to the recent tradition of festering skepticism, critics of the 1-800-GET-THIN advertising campaigns continue to express their distain for the alleged questionable practices being utilized. Increasing criticism surrounding the ambiguous ads has caused many surgical centers affiliated with them to reevaluate their position. Accordingly, several weight-loss surgeons have begun to distance themselves from surgery centers with ties to the 1-800-GET-THIN campaign for Lap-Band procedures.
Lap band surgical procedures witness a trained medical professional place a circular silicone band around the upper portion of the stomach, resulting in a separate chamber. The narrowed passageway between the newly created chamber and the rest of the stomach regulates the speed and volume in which food passes to the lower part of the stomach. The band limits the amount of food that can be eaten at one time, therefore simulating a sense of fullness while simultaneously reducing the amount of food consumed. A doctor can adjust the device, without the need for additional surgery, by inserting a needle through the skin into a port connected to the band. Doing so allows patients to adjust their eating habits accordingly and maintain a healthy weight.
As a revolutionary component to the field of bariatrics, lap band procedures provide assistance to those looking to treat significant weight problems. Lap band procedures provide obese individuals with a surgical answer to weight management. Recognizing that obesity may result in high blood pressure, diabetes, and other complications which impact both quality of life and life expectancy, lap band procedures are a growing field in bariatric medicine.
While the introduction of a Lap-Band device may prove beneficial in the treatment of obesity, they are not without concern. Critics of the bariatric devices suggest that marketing campaigns have fraudulently depicted several aspects of gastric banding. Most notably, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent out warning letters to surgical centers participating in the 1-800-GET-THIN marketing campaigns.
Several surgical centers and one California marketing firm are being accused of neglected to include the risks of Lap-Band procedures in their advertising campaigns. While such advertisements boast of the miraculous weight loss results provided by the Lap-Band, they fail to address significant risks. Neglect such as this is in direct violation of federal law. The deceptive advertisements suggest that Lap-Band procedures are without concern.
The “FDA’s concern is that these ads glamorize the Lap-Band without communicating any of the risks,” says Steven Silverman, director of the Office of Compliance in FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “Consumers, who may be influenced by misleading advertising, need to be fully aware of the risks of any surgical procedure.”
Compounding the fragile situation even further are recent reports of tragic deaths. Several deaths, believed to be the result of Lap-Band malpractice or tragic failure, have caused concern among members of tee bariatric community. Several Lap-Band lawsuits have already been filed in regards to these unfortunate circumstances. At least five Lap-Band patients have died since 2009 following surgeries at clinics affiliated with the 1-800-GET-THIN campaign, according to lawsuits, autopsy reports and other public records.
Due to the influx of negative press regarding the allegedly fraudulent campaign, several surgeons from across the United States are attempting to distance themselves from surgery centers affiliated with the 1-800-GET-THIN advertising for Lap-Band surgery.
Do I Have a Lap-Band Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Lap-Band lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a Lap-Band device, you may be entitled to financial compensation. For a free case review, please click the link below or call toll free 24 hrs/day 1-(949) 557-5800.