A five year Canadian laparoscopic adjustable gastric band experience

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to review 5 years of laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) procedures in which low-pressure bands were used. METHODS: All LAGB cases at the authors' center were retrospectively analyzed. A survey of these patients was conducted in 2008 and 2009. RESULTS: Of 90 LA GB patients, 86 were surveyed. Follow-up averaged 17.5 months. Weight loss averaged 24.8 +/- 19.4 kg. Weight loss averaged 2.7 kg/mo and did not significantly drop over the last 10.7 months (2.7 vs 1.5 kg/mo. P = .16). Excess body weight loss was 27.5%, 39.1%, and 67.2% in the first, second, and following years, respectively. Patients averaged 4.14 adjustments of their bands and vomited 2.13 times per week. The mortality rate was 0%. No band slippages or band erosion occurred. Resolution or improvement occurred in most obesity-related illness. Gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms worsened in 25% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: These results replicate world LAGB literature. Low complication rates result either from the authors' band or their techniques. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc.