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?

BackgroundVery 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.MethodsCharts were retrospectively reviewed for perioperative morbidity, mortality, and repeat operations. Weight loss data were collected during band adjustments.ResultsMean 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.ConclusionsThree-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.