Gastric Banding an Effective Long-Term Solution to Obesity

Sounds safer than gastric bypass surgery.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130117105833.htm

Jan. 17, 2013 — Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding -- lap banding -- is a safe and effective long-term strategy for managing obesity, according to the findings of a landmark 15-year follow-up study of patients treated in Australia.

The follow-up study, the longest and most comprehensive yet reported, was published in the Annals of Surgery, and found a significant number of lap band patients maintained an average weight loss of 26 kilograms [57 pounds]There were no deaths associated with the surgery or with any later operations that were needed in about half of the patients. About one in 20 patients had the band removed during the study period. for more than a decade after their procedure.

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There were no deaths associated with the surgery or with any later operations that were needed in about half of the patients. About one in 20 patients had the band removed during the study period.

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"The study shows a marked reduction of revisional procedures with the introduction of the new version of the Lap-Band 6 years ago. Importantly, those who had revisional surgery lost as much weight in the long term as those who did not need it."

The report also included a comparison of gastric banding -- which can be done as a day-surgery procedure -- and more invasive types of weight-loss surgery such as gastric bypass that are high risk and require longer hospital stay. The weight loss with gastric banding, and the need for future revisional surgery, was similar to that with gastric bypass.

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