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Misleading Ads for Gastric Band Weight Loss Endanger Consumers

In a report from Health News, misleading advertising for gastric band weight loss could detract from awareness of the serious risks involved in its use.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sent warning letters to 8 surgical centers and a California marketing firm after promoting the Lap-Band on billboards and advertisements. They are concerned about glamorizing what is a very serious surgical procedure. 

The ads depict slender men and women who make claims on the large amount of weight they have lost; however, there are no warnings of the potential side effects. 

Some of the adverse events that could develop after undergoing this type of gastric band weight loss surgery include: 

• ·         dilation of the esophagus;
• ·         band erosion or deflation;
• ·         obstruction of the abdomen;
• ·         slippage of the band; and
• ·         reflux disease. 

In some cases it could lead to the necessity for additional surgery or complications could even result in fatal injuries. The risks may not outweigh the benefits and there may be some patients who for various medical reasons should not undergo this type of surgery.

Misleading advertising or a failure to discuss side effects could lead to severe injuries. You may be able to pursue compensation by filing a medical malpractice claim. To learn if you have a legitimate case, speak to a Kentucky medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible.

Contacting a Kentucky Medical Malpractice Attorney

A Kentucky medical malpractice attorney at Gray and White can help you handle every aspect of your medical malpractice claim. If you’ve been injured in Kentucky, contact us today for a free evaluation of your case – 1-800-634-8767 or 502-210- 8942.

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