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Three-year follow-up weight loss results for patients undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding at a major university medical center: does the weight loss persist?

Sarker S, Myers J, Serot J, Shayani V

Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 S. First Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153, USA.

BACKGROUND: Very few large United States series with long-term data after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) have been published. Here, we present results of 409 consecutive LAGBs performed at a major United States medical center. METHODS: Charts were retrospectively reviewed for perioperative morbidity, mortality, and repeat operations. Weight loss data were collected during band adjustments. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 42 years. Mean preoperative weight and body mass index (BMI) were 142.4 kg and 50.6 kg/m2, respectively. There was 1 fatal myocardial infarction and 4 nonfatal pulmonary emboli. There were 50 (12%) repeat operations resulting in 16 (4%) bands being removed. Mean excess weight loss was 23.7%, 44.3%, 48.0%, and 53.3% with <1 year, 1 to 2 years, 2 to 3 years, and >3 years of follow-up, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Three-year follow-up data demonstrated continued weight loss in patients after LAGB. The relative safety and continued adjustability of LAGB make it an appealing option for long-term weight loss.

Published 21 February 2006 in Am J Surg, 191(3): 372-6.
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