How does a surgeon become LAP-BAND® System certified?
It is the policy of Allergan Medical to follow surgeon selection and training guidelines established by The American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) and Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES). The LAP-BAND® surgeon certification requires that the surgeon have advanced laparoscopic and bariatric (weight-loss) surgery experience. It also demands surgeon commitment and ability to establish and maintain a multidisciplinary bariatric practice that provides long-term support and follow-up and features appropriate hospital facilities; nutrition and exercise counseling; and psychological, general medicine, and radiological support personnel. In addition, Allergan Medical requires that all surgeons complete a LAP-BAND® System workshop conducted by the company’s professional education team and are proctored (supervised) for initial procedures by experienced surgeons.