Gastric Banding Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Gastric Banding, including details on laparoscopic gastric banding, stomach stapling, gastric bypass, risks, diet.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: weight loss, co-morbidities, medication usage and quality of life at one year.

Ahroni JH, Montgomery KF, Watkins BM

Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. Jessie@NWWLS.com

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine the weight loss, changes in co-morbidities, medication usage and general health status at 1 year after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). METHODS: Prospective data were obtained from all subjects undergoing LAGB. These measurements included a medical history and review of systems, medications, height and weight and the SF-36 general health survey. Patients were seen for band adjustments as needed throughout the year. At the 1-year follow-up visit, patients were weighed and interviewed about the status of their health conditions and their current medications, and the SF-36 was repeated. RESULTS: Between November 2002 and November 2003, 195 patients had LAGB. The majority of subjects were female (82.8%), married (65.1%), and white (94.9%). Complications occurred in 18 subjects (9.2%). These included 3 slipped bands (1.5%), 4 port problems (2.1%), 8 patients with temporary stoma occlusion (4.1%), 1 explantation (0.5%), and 1 mortality (0.5%). Mean BMI decreased from 45.8 kg/m2 (+/- 7.7) to 32.3 kg/m2 (+/- 7.0). Mean percent excess body weight lost was 45.7% (+/- 17.1) during the first year. Major improvements occurred in arthritis, asthma, depression, diabetes, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, joint and back pain, sleep apnea and stress incontinence. Medication usage declined remarkably. Quality of life (QoL) by the SF-36 showed highly significant improvements. CONCLUSIONS: At 1 year after LAGB, patients had experienced significant weight loss, resolution of comorbidities, decreases in medication usage, and improvements in QoL.

Published 10 June 2005 in Obes Surg, 15(5): 641-7.
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