Advertisements for adjustable gastric band weight loss surgery in Los Angeles has come under fire from both local and federal authorities for failing to disclose risks and complications connected with surgery. According to the Los Angeles Times, the 1-800-GET-THIN marketing company has agreed to add new warnings to its website, billboards, radio and television ads after the Food and Drug Administration labeled them misleading last week.
The lap band advertisements were placed across freeways in Southern California, bearing slogans like “Let your new life begin,” accompanied by smiling, thin people. However, five patients in the area died after Lap-Band procedures connected with 1-800-GET-THIN, prompting the FDA file a complaint against the company with 15 days to respond.
A representative for the company sent a letter in response to the complaint, expressing 1-800-GET-THIN’s plans to improve advertising.
“1-800-GET-THIN is currently changing all billboards, radio and television ads that were deemed non-compliant,” wrote Robert Silverman. “These disclosures will be in sufficient-sized font to be seen and read and will include the most significant risks.”
Silverman promised that the company would “continue to work with the FDA” is order to fulfill requirements detailing surgical risks.
According to the LA Times, the adjustable gastric band is inserted during surgery and tightened around the stomach in order to discourage overeating. Risk of gastric complications and death are involved in the surgery.
