A Snapshot of Eating Behavior, Food Tolerance, and Dietary Intake after Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to describe eating behaviors, food tolerance, and dietary intake after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB); explore associations between these variables; and examine the relationship between diet-related factors and percentage weight loss and quality of life after surgery. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was mailed to subjects who had previously undergone LAGB in Newcastle, Australia. Results: Sixty-seven subjects responded (55 females; mean age 49±11.5 years; postoperative body mass index [BMI] 34.5±5.4 kg/m2). Reported average weight loss since surgery was 20.5±9.2% (26.6±13.0 kg). Restraint (including flexible and rigid control) and disinhibition were higher than community norms and hunger trended toward being lower. The majority of respondents rated their eating ability as good (n=27, 40.3%) or excellent (n=15, 22.4%). Median reported energy intake was 4,833 kJ (3,823–5,961) per day. Protein and fat intake as a percentage of daily energy intake was within acceptable distribution ranges, although saturated fat intake exceeded recommendations. Fiber and several micronutrients were below estimated average requirements. BMI at time of surgery and satisfaction with eating ability were significantly associated with reported weight loss after surgery (adjusted R2=0.32, p<0.001), and satisfaction with eating ability and rigid control were significantly associated with physical well-being (adjusted R2=0.19, p=0.001). Conclusions: This study highlights that potential remains to improve aspects of eating behavior, food tolerance, and diet quality in some individuals who have undergone LAGB, and endorses the need for further development of multifactorial interventions to help optimize a range of diet-related factors after LAGB.