Apollo Endosurgery Revitalizes the LAP-BAND® System with New “It Fits” Campaign
AUSTIN – June 16, 2014 – Apollo Endosurgery, Inc., the leader in minimally invasive endoscopic surgical products for bariatric and gastrointestinal procedures, today announced the launch of the “It Fits” campaign, aimed at rejuvenating the LAP-BAND® System and educating a broad range of patients about the benefits of the minimally-invasive weight loss procedure. “It Fits” supports the company’s decision to place greater emphasis on the unique advantage of the LAP-BAND® System – the only FDA approved device for weight reduction for people with at least one weight-related health problem, and having a BMI of 30 or greater.
The new campaign will reach consumers through advertising, digital engagement and multi-channel marketing efforts. “It Fits” creative can be seen on direct response TV spots, digital ads and print publications. In addition, the brand has revealed a new logo and refresh to LAPBAND.com, launched @LAPBAND, and established a call center to improve customer care and field inquiries for potential LAP-BAND® patients (1-800-LAP-BAND).
“With the increasing prevalence of obesity in the United States, the Apollo Endosurgery team decided that it was time to refresh the brand and inspire people who have tirelessly tried everything else to lose weight, with little to no success, to finally conquer their weight issue with the LAP-BAND® System,” said Dennis McWilliams, President and Chief Commercial Officer of Apollo Endosurgery. “The LAP-BAND® System’s benefits speak for itself, so now is the time to raise awareness and let people know this could potentially be their weight loss solution.”
Apollo is evolving the LAP-BAND® System to become more than a procedure, providing a full solution that involves strategic partners, nurturing communities, and a customizable platform for personalized, sustainable weight loss. The new campaign will showcase these unique advantages and provide consumers with the means to live a better quality of life.
“The revitalized system will also cater to physicians so that we can better support their practices,” said McWilliams. “We support specialists in being the best coach for their patients. The patient may be in the driver’s seat, but the surgeon has to help them steer. The new system will help address those needs.”
About Apollo Endosurgery, Inc.
Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. is the leader in minimally invasive endoscopic surgical products for bariatric and gastrointestinal procedures. Apollo Endosurgery was cofounded with the Apollo Group, a unique collaboration of physicians from the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins University, Medical University of South Carolina, the University of Texas Medical Branch and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. This collaboration developed a broad portfolio of patents in the field of endoscopic surgery that became the foundation of Apollo Endosurgery. For more information regarding Apollo Endosurgery, go to: www.apolloendo.com.
APOLLO ENDOSURGERY and LAP-BAND are worldwide trademarks or registered trademarks of Apollo Endosurgery, Inc.
About LAP-BAND System®
In a LAGB procedure, a band is placed around the upper part of the stomach. As the band inflates, it shrinks the size of the stomach. This helps individuals reduce the amount of food intake and slows emptying into the lower stomach. This helps individuals feel full sooner, stay full longer and reduce hunger urge.
The LAP-BAND System was acquired in late 2013 by Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. of Austin, Texas, from Allergan, Inc.
Warnings: The LAP-BAND System is a long-term implant. Explant and replacement surgery may be required. Patients who become pregnant or severely ill or who require more extensive nutrition may require deflation of their bands. Adverse Events: Placement of the LAP-BAND System is major surgery and, as with any surgery, death can occur. Possible complications include the risks associated with the medications and methods used during surgery, the risks associated with any surgical procedures, and the patient’s ability to tolerate a foreign object implanted in the body. Band slippage, erosion and deflation, reflux, obstruction of the stomach, dilation of the esophagus, infection, or nausea and vomiting may occur. Reoperation may be required. Rapid weight loss may result in complications that may require additional surgery. Deflation of the band may require additional surgery. Deflation of the band may alleviate excessively rapid weight loss or esophageal dilation.