LOS ANGELES (CBS) —The Food and Drug Administration is expanding approval of the stomach-shrinking Lap-Band device to millions of people who are less obese than those currently using the device.

The FDA says those with a body mass index between 30 and 40, and at least one weight-related medical condition, like diabetes, can now qualify for the surgery.

Doctor Scott Cunneen, director of Bariatric Surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, tells KNX 1070 he applauds the decision.

The authorization to increase the use of the Lap-Band is based on a review of a year’s worth of research and 24-month’s data from a potential, single-arm, non-randomized, multi-center five year-study and the more than 17-year safety and effectiveness record of the Lap-Band.

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