We are no longer accepting cases regarding these products.  Due to a terrible Supreme Court ruling, consumers injured by this product are no longer permitted to sue the manufacturers of this device.  We wish we could help, but the Supreme Court has taken the rights of citizens away to protect the profits of medical device manufacturers.  For more information, please read the following New York Times article entitled “Medical Device Ruling Redraws Lines on Lawsuits.“

In 2004, an article published in Obesity Surgery titled “Long-term results, late complications and quality of life in a series of adjustable gastric banding.” aimed to assess “the Finnish experience with [gastric banding] over the last 10 years”.

The authors write, “Between March 1993 and June 1999, 123 patients underwent either open (36) or laparoscopic (87) surgery for morbid obesity by the application of an adjustable gastric band.”  Upon evaluation, doctors found that “54% of patients experienced postoperative complications requiring hospital treatment >or= 7 days, and 52% underwent a reoperation.”

In all, one third of the implanted gastric bands were removed for one reason or another.  Doctors write that “The most important late complications were esophagitis (30%), obstruction due to slippage / pouch dilatation (21%), incisional hernia (9%) and band erosion (9%).”

According to the Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System, “the outcome was regarded as “very good” in 3%, “good” in 7%, “fair” in 40% and “failure” in 50%.”

Reports such as this can be used in a LAP-BAND lawsuit, as first, complication rates and reoperation rates are shown to be much higher than reported in the LAP-BAND Warning Label, and second, it is clear that the manufacturer of these products, Allergan, knew – or should have known, the risks associated with its product but failed to act.

If you or a loved one used a LAP-BAND and suffered complications as a result, you too may be entitled to significant financial compensation for your injury.  For a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact our team of LAP-BAND lawyers at the information provided below.  We have the compassion, resources, and experience required to win the justice you deserve.  Call today and see how we can help.

Our Allergan LAP-BAND Lawsuit Information page is a great place to start if you have any questions about the Allergan LAP-BAND.