Effect of adjustable gastric banding on changes in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and quality of life

Objective: Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for the reduction of weight in obese patients (BMI >= 40 kg/m(2) or 30 kg/m(2) with >= 1 comorbidities), who are refractory to behavioral and medical therapies. This study examined the effect of the adjustable gastric band (AGB) system on changes in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and patient-reported outcomes, including measures of quality of life. Methods: Two-year interim analysis of patients (N=171) in the 5 year, prospective APEX study who reported GERD prior to the AGB procedure. An unrecorded number of hiatal hernia repairs were conducted during the APEX study. Results: At baseline, 171 of 395 patients (43%) reported GERD requiring daily medical therapy. After 2 years, 122 patients had sufficient data to assess outcome (71%). Complete resolution of GERD was reported in 98 patients (80%), improvement in 13 (11%), no change in 9 (7%), and worsening in 2 (2%). Overall, 91% of GERD patients experienced resolution and/or improvement of GERD. Baseline BMI was not significantly different among the GERD response categories (resolved, improved, and stable/worse), p-0.4581. Mean Delta BMI and percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) were: -8.8 kg/m(2)/-0.9%, -11.4 kg/m(2)/-53.9%, -6.4 kg/m(2)/-36.1%, and -7.1 kg/m(2)/-31.2%, respectively. There were no significant differences in reductions in BMI or %EWL between responder groups (resolved versus stable/worse Delta BMI p=0.1031, %EWL p=0.0667 OR resolved/improved versus stable/worse Delta BMI p=0.0918, %EWL p=0.0552). After 2 years, resolution or improvement occurred in pre-existing comorbidities: type 2 diabetes (96%), hypertension (91%), hyperlipidemia (77%), obstructive sleep apnea (86%), osteoarthritis (93%), and depression (75%). Patient satisfaction with AGB was assessed as: very satisfied/satisfied (87%), very satisfied (50%), dissatisfied (5.0%). Quality of life measured by the Obesity and Weight-Loss Quality of Life Instrument (GERD patients) significantly improved from baseline. Conclusion: Obese patients with GERD had meaningful improvement in patient-reported outcomes with the AGB system. In addition, other obesity-related comorbidities and measures of quality of life improved.