Is the Lap-Band kosher?

Bom Chan · September 10, 2007

Hello folks,

I am Bom Chan, Head of Obesity Solutions of the BIB & LAP-BAND CENTER in the Philippines. We had a Jewish patient who was asking whether the Lap-Band was Kosher or not. I could not find the answer from sites like Rabbi.com.

I would appreciate it very much if anyone could provide me some answers. Thank you in advance.

Kind regards,

Bom

WASaBubbleButt · September 10, 2007

That would depend on what type of Judiasm he follows. If he follows the strict ancient form it may not be. If he follows more current thinking it would be fine.

He'd need to speak with his Rabbi on this one as there is no "one size fits all" answer due to the numerous ways people follow their traditions and beliefs.

kacee · September 10, 2007

Okay, let me preface all this by saying I am not Jewish so I am not that educated in the religion, but, I thought Kosher was having to do with the acceptable preparation of FOODS or something having to do with the slaughter of animals in preparation of food. Why would a lap band be any different than a tooth filling or a heart stent? I doubt that you have to ask if those are kosher. It's not like the band touches any food that is eaten. What gives?

marieze · September 10, 2007

I am Jewish and understand the question. I think your best bet would be to contact "Inamed" or whomever the manufacturer is of the particular band.

Marieze

KarenG. · September 10, 2007

Although I am not orthodox it should be kosher if there are no animal products used. I can't imagine that there are animal parts in the lap band.

WASaBubbleButt · September 10, 2007

I thought it was a matter of food issues too and then I looked up the word "Kosher" and kosher doesn't mean just food issues. It means the way of doing things too, the example the dictionary definition gives is shaking hands on a "kosher" deal. Is something done in a kosher manner.

I have a friend who strictly follows the ancient Jewish traditions and I tried to contact him last night but was unable to reach him. I know he would know this answer.

From my hours and hours of conversations and my endless questions to him about old Jewish traditions I know there could be a problem for a small group of Jewish folks, but for main stream current Jewish folks it would be no problem getting banded.

Buzz1 · September 10, 2007

Hello folks,
I am Bom Chan, Head of Obesity Solutions of the BIB & LAP-BAND CENTER in the Philippines. We had a Jewish patient who was asking whether the Lap-Band was kosher or not. I could not find the answer from sites like Rabbi.com.

I would appreciate it very much if anyone could provide me some answers. Thank you in advance.

Kind regards,

Bom

I usually just lurk, but I felt compelled to offer my opinion here. I'm not a rabbi, but I have studied Jewish law and would like to share my feelings.

The issue is not about animal products; one is allowed to have implants and grafts from any source; leeches, for example, were common in medical use for hundreds of years.

Here, you should take "kosher" to mean whether adjustable gastric band surgery is permissible under Jewish law. While this is a decision to be made between a person and his or her rabbi, I can offer a bit of illumination.

There is one overarching principle in Judaism with regard to medical procedures: life is valued above all else. Elective surgeries are generally frowned upon because of the risk involved. However, one prominent rabbi was known to permit rhinoplasty so that young women could look more attractive and have a better chance of getting married (another important principle in Jewish law). This is certainly not a universal opinion, but there is precedent for it on a purely cosmetic basis for those who wish to have a better chance of finding a mate or enhancing their sex life in a marriage.

The Lap-Band is not inserted for purely cosmetic reasons, and would thus have much more supporting it than a nose job. A procedure that is relatively safe and reduces not just obesity but the complications associated with it, complications that can become life-threatening, should be not just permitted, but encouraged, under Jewish law.

Shrinkage · September 11, 2007

You beat me to it, Buzz. Well said.

Bom Chan · September 19, 2007

Hello everyone,

I wish to thank all of you for sharing your ideas and opinions. I appreciate this very much. This has certainly been very informative and I will share your comments with our Jewish patient when I see him soon.

Kind regards,

Bom

sim78 · October 7, 2007

I am a religous jew and I can tell you that this procedure if being done b/c you are so overweight and have medical issues is not only ok its obligatory. I can't go into to the reasons why here but if u want to know you e-mail and I can explain. but basically there is a law in our Torah (bible) to not do things that could g-d forbid hurt us and being overweight could do that. so its a good thing to try to loose weight in a healthy way which could make you live a longer life.