HERO Study: Helping Evaluate Reduction in Obesity

A prospective, international, multi-center study of clinical outcomes and estimated healthcare resource expenditures associated with the treatment of obesity using the LAP-BAND AP® Adjustable Gastric Banding System.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient and investigator have made a decision, independent of the study, to proceed with LAP-BAND AP® implantation.
• Male or female aged ≥ 18 years.
• BMI ≥ 40 or a BMI ≥ 35 with one or more severe co-morbid conditions, or those who are 45.5 Kg / 100 lbs or more over their estimated ideal weight.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior bariatric surgery.
• Type I diabetes patients.
• Participating in another ongoing clinical study with concomitant diagnostic or therapeutic intervention that would reasonably be expected to alter patterns of care, use of medications or the outcomes under study.