Procedure Expands

The SAGB procedure started its move to other European countries, as surgeons began to use the laparoscopic technique. In the early 1990s, however, laparoscopic weight-loss surgery still proved challenging due to the fact that there were a number off technical difficulties related to patient excess weight.

In 1991, a confidential project was started by Allergen, known at that time as Inamed Development Company. A pair of Belgian surgeons, Dr. Mitiku Belachew and Dr. M. Legrand, was part of this venture. The duo came up with the novel laparoscopic gastric banding with the premise of treating additional weight in individuals.

Allergan instituted a strict policy which required that only those surgeons who had taken part in the training programs set up by Allergan would be allowed access to the Lapband system.