Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding Patients Research Articles

Banding Together: An Investigation of Post-Surgery Support Groups for Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding Patients.

Though advocated as useful for patients, there is little in the literature regarding the use and effectiveness of bariatric support groups. This study investigated characteristics and experiences of bariatric patients who did and did not attend offered groups. Seventy-eight postoperative laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding patients from a private bariatric clinic completed mailed self-report questionnaires. Almost 60% reported having attended the clinic groups, with most wanting to meet other patients and obtain information rather than access psychological assistance. Participants reported generally positive experiences of attending. Nonattendance was often attributed to practical barriers. Satisfaction with support from others was not related to past or predicted future attendance, but higher psychological distress was related to and predictive of greater intention to attend future groups. Likely future attenders also held more positive beliefs about the groups than those who were unlikely to attend. Further research is required into potential positive and negative consequences of attendance, and characteristics of those who are likely to benefit or be harmed by attending. Interventions addressing stereotypes about support groups may help patients make informed decisions about whether to attend a bariatric support group.

Safety of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding with concurrent cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis.

The prevalence of cholelithiasis correlates with obesity. Patients often present for bariatric surgery with symptomatic cholelithiasis. There is a concern of cross-contamination when performing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) with concurrent cholecystectomy. The primary goal of this study is to address the safety and feasibility of this practice. A retrospective cohort study was designed from a prospectively collected database. All LAGB patients from July 2005 to April 2013 were included. Patients undergoing LAGB with concurrent cholecystectomy comprised the study group (LAGB/chole). The control group (LAGB) consisted of patients undergoing LAGB alone, and was selected using a 3:1 (control:study) case-match based on demographic and comorbidity data. The primary outcome was overall complication rate, with secondary outcomes including operating room (OR) time, length of stay (LOS), 30-day readmission/reoperation, erosion, infection, and band/port revisional surgery. There were 4,982 patients who met criteria. Of these, 28 patients had a LAGB with concurrent cholecystectomy, comprising the LAGB/chole (study) group. The remaining 4,954 patients were eligible controls, of which 84 were selected for the LAGB (control) group. Demographic and comorbidity data, along with mean follow-up time, were similar between the two groups. OR time was longer in the LAGB/chole group, but LOS was the same. The overall complication rate in the LAGB/chole group was 21 (n = 6) versus 20% (n = 17) in the LAGB group (p = 0.893). Thirty-day readmission and reoperation were similar. There was also no difference in port site, wound, and intra-abdominal infections. There were no band erosions in either group. Performing a concurrent cholecystectomy at the time of LAGB does not result in increased immediate or delayed morbidity. Although longer to perform, this safe operation would avoid a second surgery for a patient already diagnosed with symptomatic cholelithiasis.

Self-report of gastrointestinal side effects after bariatric surgery

BackgroundData on gastrointestinal (GI) side effects of bariatric surgery are limited because of incomplete reporting, cross-sectional samples, and nonstandardized assessments. ObjectiveTo report on GI side effects over the first 6 months after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). SettingAcademic medical center, United States. MethodsOne hundred forty-four patients completed a standardized clinical interview 6 months after operation, including questions on the occurrence and frequency of episodes of dumping syndrome, vomiting, and plugging for each of the past 6 months; monthly rates were stable, so results were averaged over the entire period. Although data were collected as part of a randomized controlled trial, randomization group and the interaction of group by surgical procedure were not related to GI side effects. Thus, results are reported by procedure only (RYGB, n = 87; LAGB, n = 56). ResultsRYGB patients had a higher preoperative body mass index (BMI) than LAGB patients (46.8±6.8 versus 43.5±4.8 kg/m2, respectively; P = .001), were more likely to report dumping (45.7% versus 4.7%, P<.0001), and were less likely to report plugging (45.7% versus 79.1%, P = .0005). Vomiting did not differ significantly by procedure (68.6% versus 65.1%, P = .7). Most patients experienced each GI side effect less than once per week. ConclusionAlthough self-reported GI side effects were common over the first 6 months after operation, the frequency of episodes was relatively low. Longer-term follow-up is needed to determine whether symptoms worsen or improve over time.

Bariatric surgery in elderly patients. A comparison between gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy with five years of follow up

Introduction: The prevalence of obesity is rising progressively, even among elderly patients. Many studies investigated about safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery among aged obese patients. The objective of this review is to assess the benefits relative to risks of weight loss that may be obtained by performing two common bariatric procedures in obese elderly patient. Materials and methods: We retrospectively evaluated 10 morbid obese patients older than 60 years reaching 5 years of follow up who respectively underwent Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) or Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB). Eventual changes in comorbidities, weight loss, EWL% were investigated. Results: Although LSG patients required a longer postoperative hospital stay than LAGB patients (p < 0.001), both procedures have shown to be safe and equally effective for weight loss achievement in elderly patients. Whereas all patients showed comorbidities resolution, no significant difference in weight loss between LAGB group and LSG group was found at 1 year (EWL% p = 0.87; BMI p = 0.32), 3 years (EWL% p = 0.62; BMI p = 0.79) and 5 years (EWL% p = 0.52; BMI p = 0.46) of follow up. Conclusions: Bariatric surgery is safe and effective to reach obesity related comorbidities resolution among elderly obese patients. Both LAGB and LSG determine a weight loss lesser than observed in a standard bariatric population. In this study LSG is significantly less cost effective than LAGB. Larger studies with longer follow up are however needed to evaluate the real impact of bariatric surgery on weight loss, resolution of comorbidities and improvement of quality of life in elderly obese patients.

Comparison of percentage excess weight loss after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

IntroductionLaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) are acceptable options for primary bariatric procedures in patients with body mass index (BMI) 35–55 kg/m2.AimThe aim of this study is to compare the effects of these two bariatric procedures 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery.Material and methodsTwo hundred and two patients were included 72 LSG and 130 LAGB patients. The average age was 38.8 ±11.9 and 39.4 ±10.4 years in LSG and LAGB groups, with initial BMI of 44.1 kg/m2 and 45.2 kg/m2, p = NS.ResultsThe mean percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) at 6 months for LSG vs. LAGB was 36.3% vs. 30.1% (p = 0.01) and at 12 months was 43.8% vs. 34.6% (p = 0.005). The greatest difference in the mean %EWL at 12 months was observed in patients with initial BMI of 40–49.9 kg/m2 in favor of LSG (47.5% vs. 35.6%; p = 0.01). Two years after surgery there was no advantage of LSG and in the subgroup of patients with BMI 50–55 kg/m2 there was a trend in favor of LAGB (57.2% vs. 30%; p = 0.07). The multiple regression model of independent variables (age, gender, initial BMI and the presence of comorbidities) proved insignificant in prediction of the best outcome in means of %EWL for either operative modality. None of these factors in the logistic regression model could determine the type of surgery that should be used in particular patients.ConclusionsDuring the first 2 years after surgery, the best results were obtained in women with lower BMI undergoing LSG surgery. The LSG provides greater %EWL after a shorter period of time though the difference decreases in time.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding outcomes in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease or hiatal hernia.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia (HH) are classically considered contraindications to bariatric restrictive procedures. Despite the high number of studies that have been published, the relationship between laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) and GERD/HH is still not clear. We have retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of LAGB in patients operated in 2010 with HH and/or GERD. The gastroesophageal reflux was diagnosed if the patients had heartburn and regurgitation more than once a week, and hiatal hernia was assessed by esophagogastroduodenoscopy and/or upper GI radiogram with swallow. Data on heartburn, assumption of antacid medication, weight loss, and rate of complications in both patients with and without GERD or HH were collected. One hundred and twenty patients that underwent LAGB at our department were enrolled in our study; 40 had symptoms of GERD and 25 had hiatal hernia preoperatively. There was no difference of percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) at 12 months (45.4 ± 20.4 vs 4.6 ± 19.5 kg/m(2)) and 36 months follow-up (49.4 ± 16.5 vs 48.6 ± 18.9 kg/m(2)) between asymptomatic patients and patients with HH or GERD symptoms. The number of patients with preoperative heartburn (40 to 10) and/or assumption of antacid drugs (38 to 7) significantly decreased after LAGB CONCLUSIONS: LAGB is an effective and safe surgical treatment for morbidly obesity in patients with GERD or HH, since it induces both a significant weight loss and an improvement of reflux symptoms.

The safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery for obese, wheelchair bound patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of bariatric surgery performed in order to improve mobility in patients with severe mobility limitations. Patients with severe mobility impairment (wheelchair bound) who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) surgery to improve their mobility were included in this study. Patients were identified between July 2009 and October 2011 using an electronic prospective bariatric database. Mobility was assessed by questionnaire during clinic follow-up appointments. Fifteen patients (11 female, 4 male) with a mean age of 48 years (range: 26-71 years) and a mean body mass index of 46 kg/m(2) (range: 33-54 kg/m(2)) were included. Seven patients (47%) underwent LAGB and eight (53%) LRYGB. The aetiologies of mobility impairment included advanced osteoarthritis (n=6), spinal conditions (n=4), severe bilateral leg oedema and ulceration (n=2), advanced rheumatoid arthritis (n=2) and traumatic paraplegia (n=1). The mean length of hospital stay was 3.8 days. There was no mortality. One patient was lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 14 patients, the mean excess weight loss percentage at a mean of 18.5 months postoperatively was 48% (68% for LRYGB, 20 months; 29% for LAGB, 17 months). Ten patients reported improved mobility. Reduced pain, improved independence and ability to transfer were most commonly cited. Four patients reported no improvement in mobility (three LAGB patients, one LRYGB patient). Bariatric surgery can safely improve mobility and quality of life in obese patients with severe mobility impairment. Our paper supports the idea that severe mobility impairment should be considered an indication for bariatric surgery in selected patients. LRYGB demonstrated better weight loss and mobility improvement than LAGB. Larger studies are required to establish robust selection criteria for surgery in this group.

Biopsychosocial outcomes of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in adolescents: a systematic review of the literature.

Adolescent obesity is a significant global health challenge. Severely obese adolescents commonly experience one or more serious medical comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension as well as psychosocial comorbidities such as depression, disordered eating behaviour, anxiety and low self-esteem. The aims of this review are to examine the literature on biopsychosocial (e.g. weight loss, medical comorbidities, mental health, and complications) outcomes of adolescent bariatric surgery and to identify areas where current data are deficient and a need for further research is indicated. A systematic review was conducted to examine the biopsychosocial outcomes of adolescent gastric banding. Eleven studies published before May 2013 examining outcomes of adolescent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) surgery were identified. Available reported data indicate that LAGB surgery was effective in achieving significant weight loss. There is also evidence of the resolution of medical comorbidities; however, reporting of medical comorbidities assessment criteria is limited. Limited consideration was given to the psychosocial outcomes of LAGB surgery. The psychosocial outcomes of adolescent LAGB are not well researched. The current literature on adolescent LAGB is limited by a focus on weight loss and biomedical outcomes. There is currently little understanding of the behavioural, emotional or social factors that influence adolescents' experience of LAGB surgery. Further research is required to examine the specific psychosocial needs and experiences of adolescent LAGB patients, so appropriate treatment approaches may be developed to ensure optimal outcomes for adolescents from LAGB surgery.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and progression from impaired fasting glucose to diabetes

Obesity and dysglycaemia are major risk factors for type 2 diabetes. We determined if obese people undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) had a reduced risk of progressing from impaired fasting glucose (IFG) to diabetes. This was a retrospective cohort study of obese people with IFG who underwent LAGB. Weight and diabetes outcomes after a minimum follow-up period of 4 years (mean ± SD 6.1 ± 1.7 years) were compared with those of Australian adults with IFG from a population-based study (AusDiab). We identified 281 LAGB patients with baseline IFG. Their mean ± SD age and BMI were 46 ± 9 years and 46 ± 9 kg/m(2), respectively. The diabetes incidence for patients in the lowest, middle and highest weight loss tertile were 19.1, 3.4 and 1.8 cases/1,000 person-years, respectively. The AusDiab cohort had a lower BMI (28 ± 5 kg/m(2)) and a diabetes incidence of 12.5 cases/1,000 person-years. This increased to 20.5 cases/1,000 person-years when analysis was restricted to the 322 obese AusDiab participants, which was higher than the overall rate of 8.2 cases/1,000 person-years seen in the LAGB group (p = 0.02). Multivariable analysis of the combined LAGB and AusDiab data suggested that LAGB was associated with ∼75% lower risk of diabetes (OR 0.24 [95% CI 0.10, 0.57], p = 0.004). In obese people with IFG, weight loss after LAGB is associated with a substantially reduced risk of progressing to diabetes over ≥4 years. Bariatric surgery may be an effective diabetes prevention strategy in this population.

Hiatal hernia repair and gastroesophageal reflux disease in gastric banding patients: Analysis of a national database

BackgroundHiatal hernia (HH) is a risk factor for complications after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), with recommendation to repair these at the time of LAGB placement. We reviewed the characteristics and outcomes of bariatric patients undergoing HH repair during LAGB. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HH repair in LAGB patients and its potential effect on outcomes. MethodsUsing the Bariatric Outcomes Longitudinal Database, we identified patients who had hiatal hernia repair at the time of their LAGB (HHR group) and compared them to other LAGB patients without a HH repair (NonHHR group). ResultsOf 41,611 patients who underwent LAGB during 2007–2010, 8120 (19.5%) had HH repair (HHR), adding only 4 minutes to the operating time, without an increase in blood transfusion, length of stay, or band-related complications. Preoperatively, the HHR cohort had a higher incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) compared with nonHHR (49% versus 40%, respectively; P<.001) with a higher GERD score (1.13 versus .88, respectively; P<.001). Of those with GERD, similar percentage of patients in the HHR and nonHHR groups experienced improvement 1-year after surgery (53% versus 52%, respectively, P = .4), with similar GERD scores at this time point. ConclusionHH are repaired in one fifth of LAGB patients, with a surprisingly minimal increase in operative times and no change in length of stay, morbidity, or mortality. In patients with GERD, HH repair had minimal effect on postoperative improvements in reflux symptoms. These findings suggest that many of the repairs may involve small hernias with unclear clinical effect.

Rebanding for Slippage After Gastric Banding: Should We Do It?

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a commonly performed bariatric procedure. LAGB is frequently complicated by slippage. Possible treatment for slippage is rebanding, but long-term effects are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether rebanding after gastric band slippage is associated with weight loss failure. This was a post hoc analysis of a prospectively collected database of 627 consecutive LAGB patients. Rebanding for slippage was performed in 81 patients. The effect of rebanding on weight loss was evaluated by three analyses: (1) in 81 rebanded patients, weight loss was compared before and after rebanding, separately for patients in whom primary LAGB was successful or unsuccessful; (2) 81 rebanded patients were matched to 81 patients without slippage for prognostic variables and compared for weight loss after rebanding; (3) multivariate logistic regression was performed whether rebanding was independently associated with weight loss failure. The chance of a fair result of rebanding for patients following primary successful (n = 34) and unsuccessful LAGB (n = 22) was 62 and 27% after median follow-up of 113 and 97months, respectively. There was no difference in weight loss failure between 81 rebanded patients and 81 matched patients: 54 vs 59% (P = 0.43). In multivariate analysis, rebanding was not significantly associated with weight loss failure: adjusted odds ratio 1.42; 95% confidence interval 0.85-2.38; P = 0.18. In general, rebanding after LAGB has no negative effect on weight loss. However, patients in whom LAGB was unsuccessful prior to rebanding have poor long-term weight loss results.

The Micronutrient Intake Profile of a Multicentre Cohort of Australian LAGB Patients

Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery have increased risks of developing micronutrient deficiencies. Translational research investigating the actual micronutrient intake of bariatric patients is limited. We examined the micronutrient intake of a multicentre cohort of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding patients 1 year post-surgery. These data were compared to micronutrient recommendations for the general population. Consecutive patients from three bariatric surgery facilities in Melbourne, Australia, were invited to participate 12 months post-operatively. A validated food frequency questionnaire was posted to 215 prospective participants. Of the 52 participants, micronutrient intakes from food and fluids alone were below population recommendations for calcium, folate, magnesium, potassium, retinol equivalents, thiamin and vitamin E. Males did not meet the recommended intakes for zinc, and iron intakes in pre-menopausal women were insufficient. Intakes lower than recommended levels for these micronutrients suggest inadequate intake of foods from vegetable, dairy, lean meat (or alternatives) and wholegrains. Micronutrient intakes below recommended levels in this patient group can be further explained by their macronutrient intakes that suggested diets of poor nutrient density. Recommendations for supplementation in this group have wide variations, usually having been developed through the presence of clinical and biochemical deficiencies. Nutritional supplementation should be more extensive in scope and dosage than is currently recommended by some professional guidelines. Further long-term studies are needed to explore both macro- and micronutrient intakes on the morbidity and mortality of this patient population.

Patients' Perspectives on Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) Aftercare Attendance: Qualitative Assessment

Despite recognition of the importance of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) aftercare for optimal surgical outcomes and the failure of some patients to attend regularly, factors influencing LAGB aftercare attrition have not been thoroughly examined in the literature. Patients' perspectives on LAGB aftercare attendance were explored using a qualitative research methodology. Twenty-four LAGB patients who either (1) did not attend aftercare (n = 12) or (2) attended aftercare regularly (n = 12) were interviewed. Data were analysed using grounded theory methods. Four common processes emerged from patients' descriptions: (1) barriers to attendance, (2) purely medical service, (3) non-patient centred approach, and (4) behavioural and psychological aspects of behavioural changes. Regular attendees typically reported (1) a commitment to aftercare, (2) a need to make the band work, (3) regular monitoring motivated attendance, and (4) happiness with the improved health. Non-regular attendees perceived (1) that aftercare is more relevant early on after the surgery, (2) insufficient follow-up from the centre, (3) failure and shame, (4) not comfortable to be vulnerable, and (5) an intention to reconnect. Patients perceive LAGB post-operative medical management to be professional, effective, and valuable. Patients' difficulty to actively participate during aftercare visits contributes to reduced satisfaction and a range of compromised outcomes. Management of LAGB post-operative patients may be improved with the use of patient-centred strategies that encourage patients' active participation. Further research is required to evaluate the emerged themes and determine whether interventions targeting identified barriers enhance attendance and improve outcomes.

Pre-Operative Psychological Characteristics of Gastric Band and Gastric Bypass Patients

Weight loss outcomes vary among different bariatric procedures, and may be partially due to differences in patient characteristics that are present preoperatively. In an observational study, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) and Roux-En-Y laparoscopic or open gastric bypass (RYGB) patients were compared on pre-op dimensions of depression, anxiety, and disordered eating. Results indicated that depression scores were in the mild range, and anxiety scores were in the mild range only for RYGB patients. In comparison to adults with eating disorders, scores on disordered eating scales were low. Cognitive-affective depression symptoms and several eating disorder subscale scores were higher in RYGB than in LAGB patients. This suggests that surgical candidates who choose RYGB surgery may differ psychologically from those who choose LAGB, although other factors impact choice of procedure also. Future research should delineate the decision-making process leading to the selection of a surgery type as well as the match of the patients to the demands of the post-op regimen.

Reduction in Framingham Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Obese Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

BackgroundObesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), with weight loss offering improvement in CVD risk factors.AimsTo examine whether weight loss in laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB)-treated obese patients is associated with meaningful reductions in estimated 10- and 30- year Framingham CVD risk 12–15 months post-LAGB.MethodsObese adult patients [body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2] treated with LAGB were identified in a large US healthcare database. Patients without CVD at baseline and with measures of BMI, systolic blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking status at baseline and follow-up were eligible. Non-LAGB patients were propensity score matched to LAGB patients on baseline BMI, age, and gender. Estimated 10- and 30-year risk of developing CVD using office-based data, including BMI, was calculated at baseline and 12–15 months follow-up.ResultsMean BMI in LAGB patients (n = 647, average age 45.66 years, 81.1% female) decreased from 42.7 to 33.4 kg/m2 (P < 0.0001), with 35.4% no longer obese; 10- and 30-year estimated CVD risk decreased from 10.8 to 7.6% (P < 0.0001) and 44.34 to 32.30% (P < 0.0001), respectively, 12–15 months post-LAGB. Improvements were significantly greater than in non-LAGB patients (N = 4,295) (P < 0.0001). In the subset with lipid data (n = 74), improvements in total (−20.6 mg/dL; P < 0.05) and high-density lipoprotein (+10.6 mg/dL, P < 0.0001) cholesterol 1 year post-LAGB were also observed.ConclusionsData from a US healthcare database show that individuals undergoing LAGB have significant weight loss and reductions in estimated 10- to 30-year CVD risk within 1 year post-LAGB.

Comparison of cholecystectomy cases after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric banding

BackgroundRapid weight loss after bariatric surgery has been a factor of inducing gallstones postoperatively. Many studies have reported increased gallstone formation after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). However, not many studies have compared symptomatic gallstone frequencies between LRYGB, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). The aim of our study is to evaluate symptomatic cholelithiasis cases requiring cholecystectomy after each bariatric procedure. MethodsBetween January 2009 and August 2011, a total of 937 patients underwent bariatric surgery at our institution. Of these patients, 598 had primary LRYGB, 197 had LSG, and 142 had LAGB. We excluded patients with previous cholecystectomy or concomitant cholecystectomy at the time of bariatric procedure. A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was performed for all patients. ResultsOf 367 LRYGB patients, 5.7% (n = 21) had symptomatic gallstones. Of 115 LSG patients, 6.1% (n = 7) required cholecystectomy, and of 104 LAGB patients, .0% (n = 0) developed symptomatic gallstones. The differences in the occurrences of symptomatic gallstones between LRYGB and LSG were not statistically significant (P>.88). However, statistical significance was present between LRYGB and LAGB (P<.02), as well as between LSG and LAGB (P<.02). Mean percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) at 24 months was 85.7%, 58.8%, and 38.3% in LRYGB, LSG, and LAGB patients, respectively. There was no complication related to the cholecystectomy procedure. ConclusionsFrequency of symptomatic gallstones after LRYGB and LSG was not significantly different and after LAGB was significantly lower. Slow and less amount of weight loss would have contributed to the low rate of symptomatic gallstone formation in the LAGB patients. (Surg Obes Relat Dis 2013;0:000–00.) © 2013 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. All rights reserved.

Systematic review of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in patients with body mass index ≤35 kg/m2

BackgroundRecently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel approved laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2 and related co-morbidities. To our knowledge there is no systematic review assessing LAGB in this group. The objective of this study was to analyze the use of LAGB in patients with BMI ≤35 kg/m2. MethodsThe Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to systematically search MEDLINE and Embase using the medical subject headings (MeSH) terms “bariatric surgery” and “obese” with equivalent free text searches and cross-references. Studies that described LAGB in patients with BMI ≤35 kg/m2 were reviewed with particular focus on weight loss after LAGB as well as morbidity/mortality, co-morbidity resolution. ResultsSix studies evaluating 515 patients were included. Mean percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) ranged from 52.5 (±13.2) to 78.6 (±9.4) at 1 year and 57.6 (±29.3) to 87.2 (±9.5) at 2 years postoperatively. Two studies reported weight loss at 3 years with mean %EWL of 53.8 (±32.8) to 64.7 (±12.2). The only study with follow-up data after 3 years reported a mean %EWL of 68.8 (±15.3) and 71.9 (±10.7) at 4 and 5 years, respectively. Thirty-four patients (6.6%) developed complications. There was 1 reported mortality (.19%), which occurred at 20 months postoperatively. ConclusionThis systematic review shows that LAGB is well tolerated and effective in patients with a BMI ≤35 kg/m2. There are encouraging suggestions that co-morbidities show partial or total resolution; however, a paucity of data remains in this BMI group, particularly with regard to long-term outcomes.

The Comparative Effectiveness of Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Bypass, and Adjustable Gastric Banding Procedures for the Treatment of Morbid Obesity

To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of sleeve gastrectomy (SG), laparoscopic gastric bypass (RYGB), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) procedures. Citing limitations of published studies, payers have been reluctant to provide routine coverage for SG for the treatment of morbid obesity. Using data from an externally audited, statewide clinical registry, we matched 2949 SG patients with equal numbers of RYGB and LAGB patients on 23 baseline characteristics. Outcomes assessed included complications occurring within 30 days, and weight loss, quality of life, and comorbidity remission at 1, 2, and 3 years after bariatric surgery. Matching resulted in cohorts of SG, RYGB, and LAGB patients that were well balanced on baseline characteristics. Overall complication rates among patients undergoing SG (6.3%) were significantly lower than for RYGB (10.0%, P < 0.0001) but higher than for LAGB (2.4%, P < 0.0001). Serious complication rates were similar for SG (2.4%) and RYGB (2.5%, P = 0.736) but higher than for LAGB (1.0%, P < 0.0001). Excess body weight loss at 1 year was 13% lower for SG (60%) than for RYGB (69%, P < 0.0001), but was 77% higher for SG than for LAGB (34%, P < 0.0001). SG was similarly closer to RYGB than LAGB with regard to remission of obesity-related comorbidities. With better weight loss than LAGB and lower complication rates than RYGB, SG is a reasonable choice for the treatment of morbid obesity and should be covered by both public and private payers.

Long-term Reflux-Related Symptoms After Bariatric Surgery: Comparison of Sleeve Gastrectomy Versus Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

Long-term pulmonary reflux-related symptoms following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) have not been reported. We designed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent LAGB or LSG between January 2000 and December 2010. All patients provided detailed history and physical examination. We assessed both early and late reflux-related symptoms. All patients underwent spirometry and chest X-ray (CXR). The analysis included 307 patients who underwent either LAGB (n=193) or LSG (n=114). Mean age was 43±12 and 46±11years, respectively; 144 (76.6%) and 83 (73%) were female, respectively. Similar rates of previous pulmonary disease were noted in both LAGB and LSG groups (10.9 vs. 10.5%, respectively). However, more patients with sleep apnea were in the LSG group (13.2 vs. 6.2%, p=0.03). The mean interval between surgery and the onset of pulmonary symptoms was longer in patients who underwent LAGB (72±22months) than for those who had LSG (36±24months; p=0.03). The overall complication rate was higher in the LAGB (7.3%) than in LSG (4.4%) group. LSG patients had significantly lower rates of morning cough (12.3 vs. 59.6%, p=0.001) and postprandial cough (10.5 vs. 58%, p=0.001) compared to the LAGB patients. Two cases of pneumonia occurred in each group. The mortality rate was zero in both groups. Both surgeries are considered safe and without major reflux-related symptoms. There is a lower incidence of cough with LSG than with LAGB.

The Long-Term Course of Quality of Life and the Prediction of Weight Outcome After Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding: A Prospective Study

Background: This prospective study examined physical and mental quality of life up to 6 years after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) and the predictive role of quality of life for weight outcome. Method: Forty-five LAGB patients (38 female, 7 male) filled out the short form-36 (SF-36) health survey 6 months before and 1 and 6 years after LAGB. Body mass index (BMI) was assessed. Repeated measures analyses of variance and multiple regression analyses were used. Results: Physical functioning but not mental well-being improved significantly between baseline and 1 year after LAGB, whereas a nonsignificant deterioration occurred for both quality of life dimensions between 1 year and 6 years follow-up. A lower mental well-being before surgery and at 1 year after surgery predicted a larger reduction of BMI at 6 years. Conclusion: After LAGB, physical functioning improves more clearly than mental well-being, but this improvement is not fully sustained during the 5 years that follow. Clinicians shoul...