Bariatric Surgery Trends and Predictions for 2011 from the Editors of Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery

The editors of Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery are gazing into their crystal ball to see what 2011 will bring for the hundreds of thousands of people who are considering or have already undergone weight loss surgery.

Here's what we think they can expect:

New Bariatric Surgery on the Horizon

Some U.S. bariatric surgeons are excited about laparoscopic greater curvature plication, an experimental restrictive weight loss surgery procedure. Unlike other bariatric surgeries, this procedure does not involve any devices or stomach resection. Instead, non-absorbable suturing reduces the stomach's size. Preliminary studies show that this surgery offers faster weight loss than gastric banding. Stay tuned.

Lap-Bands for Everyone!

At the end of 2010, an FDA advisory panel voted to expand the indication for the Lap-Band Adjustable Gastric Banding System to people with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30 kg/m2 and less than 40 kg/m2. Lap Band is currently indicated for people with a BMI of at least 40 kg/m2 or BMI of at least 35 kg/m2 with one or more obesity-related disease such as diabetes. The FDA is not obligated to follow the advice of its panels, but it usually does. This will mean more Lap-Bands in 2011, and the number of bariatric surgeries will rise accordingly. Insurers, however, may not be on board with covering the Lap Band cost for this new, less-obese group of individuals.

Speaking of gastric bypass insurance, those in the know do predict that more companies will cover a greater number of procedures in 2011, including gastric sleeve surgery, as long-term studies show that these surgeries are lifesaving and cost-effective.

Emphasis on Follow-Up Care

Weight loss surgery is not a magic bullet, as many people who have undergone these surgeries are quickly learning. There will be a major push for intensive follow-up care from a multidisciplinary team of experts including primary care physicians, endocrinologists and gastroenterologists to help individuals stay the course. This model will follow new guidelines released by the Endocrine Society at the end of 2010.

For more information about these and other current issues in weight loss surgery, please visit Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery.

About Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery

Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery is a one-stop, independent resource with comprehensive information on life before, during and after bariatric surgery. This website provides detailed information about weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery), including who makes the best candidate for each procedure, the recovery time after surgery and appropriate expectations.

Bariatric surgery articles are reviewed by an editorial advisory board comprising some of the nation's leading surgeons. The site is accredited by the Health on the Net Foundation (HON), assuring consumers of the highest-quality, most trustworthy information on the Web. To complement this robust content, a before-and-after photo gallery and a directory of bariatric surgeons are available.

For more information on these predictions or to talk to any of our medical advisors, please contact.