First Time Introduction of Lap-Band® 2.0 FLEX to the Next Generation of Surgeons

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ReShape Lifesciences® (Nasdaq: RSLS), the premier physician-led weight loss and metabolic health solutions company, today announced that bariatric surgical fellows from the University of Texas Health Center in Houston, Texas were trained on Friday, January 19^th, on the Lap-Band® System and also received an introduction to the Company’s new Lap-Band® 2.0 FLEX. The training was hosted by Erik B. Wilson, M.D., Professor of Surgery at McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas (UT) Health Science Center, Houston, TX, Director of the UT Physicians Minimally Invasive Surgeons of Texas, and was co-led by Christine Ren-Fielding, M.D., Professor of Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Director of the NYU Langone Weight Management Program and Chief of the Division of Bariatric Surgery.

“Training surgical fellows on our Lap-Band® System provided ReShape the opportunity to introduce the next generation of bariatric surgeons to our FDA approved, minimally invasive, long-term treatment for obesity," stated Paul F. Hickey, President and Chief Executive Officer of ReShape Lifesciences. "I am particularly excited that we were also able to introduce our recently approved Lap-Band® 2.0 FLEX, designed to improve the patient experience, as the future of the Lap-Band® is inextricably tied to its continued adoption by surgeons. Similar to our existing Lap-Band®, the Lap-Band® 2.0 FLEX technology acts as a relief valve, allowing larger pieces of food to more easily pass through the narrowed passage (or stoma), created by the band. We continue to believe that the Lap-Band® System offers the safest, enduring weight loss solution for patients who have historically struggled with managing their weight and are committed to expanding its visibility in the bariatric market.”

“It was an honor to host the training of this group of bariatric surgical fellows on the benefits of the device,” stated Dr. Wilson. “The unique insights I have learned from performing minimally invasive Lap-Band® procedures on my patients were the impetus for organizing the training of this emerging group of bariatric surgeons. Further, I am impressed by the enhanced features of the Lap-Band® 2.0 FLEX and look forward to utilizing it in my practice for both new and existing Lap-Band® patients.”

Dr. Ren-Fielding, who conducted a live Lap-Band® procedure as part of the training, added, “My 20-year experience with the Lap-Band® has demonstrated that, over time, some patients require adjustments from food obstructions. Lap-Band® 2.0 FLEX will potentially remedy this issue because of the ability for self-correction utilizing an internal reservoir system.”