Designing an Optimal LAP-BAND AP^® System Practice

There are many things to consider when designing a LAP-BAND^® System practice or introducing LAP-BAND^® System to an already existing practice. It is important to consider every stage of patient care, from preoperative to surgical to postoperative.

Ensuring Patient Satisfaction

Patient satisfaction often begins with realistic expectations. It is important to clarify both short- and long-term expectations as part of a patient’s preoperative evaluation. Honest, direct, and regular communication is essential when addressing patient expectations regarding:

• Presurgical requirements
• Surgical process
• Postsurgical recovery
• Postoperative lifestyle adjustments
• Patient compliance and consequences of noncompliance
• Access to surgeon and staff during the pre- and postsurgical periods

Financial Requirements

It is important to remember that bariatric surgery is more expensive than general surgery. Minimizing financial barriers and increasing access to the LAP-BAND^® System surgery is essential in providing patients with an option to help improve or resolve chronic health conditions related to obesity.

Developing Partnerships

It is important that your practice have access to a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals for the best treatment of your LAP-BAND^® System patients. Be sure to utilize the expertise of the entire bariatric team including:

• Nurses
• Dietitians and nutritionists
• Psychologists
• Personal trainers
• Referring physicians

Ideally, as many of these healthcare professionals as possible will be employed by your practice. However, if this is not possible, you should develop partnerships with individuals in these disciplines outside your practice.

Practical Considerations

When you establish your LAP-BAND^® System surgery practice, it is important to consider practical details. You should ensure that:

• your office is a short walking distance from the parking lot
• patients feel comfortable in your office by providing large furniture and wide hallways
• your office staff is courteous to your patients both in person and on the phone