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Highlands Today

HRMC Promotes LAP-Bands To Control Obesity

Kathy Waters/Highlands Today

Dr. T.C. Lackey is now using the LAP-Band, which is a method to help patients lose weight.

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By Bill Rettew Jr. | Highlands Today

Published: January 8, 2008

SEBRING — Those suffering from morbid obesity now have another option locally available at Highlands Regional Medical Center.

Since 1993, more than 120,000 LAP-Bands have been inserted in obese patients around the world.

Last year, HRMC introduced the program for county residents.

"The goal is not to become a beauty queen, but happy and healthy," said general surgeon T.C. Lackey II. "We're changing the whole mindset."

The next closest places to go for the procedure is Orlando or Tampa, he added.

Less than a month ago, the first of five patients at Highlands Regional underwent the minimally invasive procedure and each has already lost more than 20 pounds.

Fran Maggio, of Sebring, works as PACS manager at the hospital, and was part of that initial group.

Since undergoing the same-day procedure on Dec. 20, she has lost 26 pounds, and wants to eventually drop more than 100 pounds.

Maggio is on a soft diet and will soon return to eating regular meals, but in much smaller servings. She drinks at least a gallon of water, and walks a mile daily.

A LAP-Band is a flexible silicone ring inflated with saline solution, which is tightened around the top of the stomach and reduces stomach capacity. The device may be used for a permanent diet change and is adjusted manually by a physician.

"I have flexibility and able to control how I much I restrict her," said Lackey. "Tighten – and not eat as much. Food is an obese patient's addiction. We change their whole concept of sitting down at the dinner table."

The Allegan-manufactured device is used as a tool to restrict and to control appropriate eating habits, said Lackey. While acting as a "safety net," the LAP-Band allows a specific amount of food to enter the stomach, and if the user overeats, they might vomit.

Maggio said she was taught "moderation."

"I'm managing portions," said Maggio. "If I begin to feel a little bit noxious I go, 'Uh, oh, too much' and stop eating."

The $17,500 procedure includes six months of follow-up care, with additional care often needed. A patient with a body mass index of at least 35 or a person who is at least 100 pounds overweight would likely qualify as a candidate for the program.

Medical complications can occur. The biggest risk of insertion is infection, said Lackey. Bleeding, erosion or slippage of older devices, as well as death, are possible side effects.

Users should eat three meals a day and exercise regularly. Often, a LAP-Band user will order from a the children's section of the menu.

"It's planning a good meal before you order, instead of looking at the dessert menu before you start," said Lackey.

The physician will present a LAP-Band seminar tonight at 6 p.m. at the Sebring Chamber of Commerce and Welcome Center on U.S. 27. Lackey, a nutritionist, psychologist and a speaker who has a LAP-Band, will talk to prospective patients and families at the regular monthly seminar.

Call Florida Lakes Surgical at 402-5600 for more information.

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