Lap-Band surgeries halted at 2 LA clinics

LOS ANGELES — Two Los Angeles-area outpatient clinics affiliated with the 1-800 GET-THIN marketing company have temporarily stopped Lap-Band weight-loss surgeries while they conduct a review of the procedure.

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The move follows Irvine-based Allergan's announcement last week that it would stop selling the device to companies affiliated with the ad campaign.

The New Life Surgery Center in Beverly Hills and Valley Surgical Center in West Hills say have stopped performing Lap-Band surgeries while they perform "a top-to-bottom review medical and operational review."

The Lap-Band is a ring surgically implanted around the stomach to discourage patients from overeating and to help them lose weight.

The marketing company has been the target of state and federal investigations in recent months.