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?

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.