Study into banding.

I have a hard copy of this report but unfortunately online it seems to be limited to those having access to a site called cab direct. If anyone has access to this, check it out.  I almost didn't post it as I don't like partial studies being quoted but some of you may have access to the site. It is also in the  World Journal of Surgery (see refs below).

Those who can access the full report will see that they do address issues of later complications but when taken in conjunction with the stats I posted the other day, they believe they can identify reasons for many of these (also see abstratc).

This is not intended as a criticism of any other surgery. It happens to mention RNY but I am not trying to put any other wls down. I firmly believe that all the current main wls have their place in the management of obesity.

The following is the abstract which is open to everyone online. This (the complete report) is one of the sources of the table I drew up of studies going back over 12 years.

Title

The gastric band: first-choice procedure for obesity surgery.

Authors

Favretti, F.; Ashton, D.; Busetto, L.; Segato, G.; Luca, M. de

Journal article; Conference paper

World Journal of Surgery 2009 Vol. 33 No. 10 pp. 2039-2048

Conference Title

Symposium of the International Society of Digestive Surgery. "Bariatric Surgery" - An Evolving Solution to a Global Problem.

ISSN

0364-2313

DOI

10.1007/s00268-009-0091-6

URL

http://www.springerlink.com/content/2270478j42071m...

Record Number

20093288745

Abstract

The advent of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) during the latter part of the 20th century represents a watershed in the management of chronic obesity. In this paper we provide an overview of LAGB with respect to its development, clinical outcomes, and future role. We also address current controversies, including a comparison of LAGB with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP). At present LAGB seems to be increasing in popularity in the United States, whereas in Europe there seems to be a trend away from gastric banding toward RYGBP. Optimal outcomes after LAGB are a function of correct laparoscopic technique, an experienced surgical team, a well-engineered device, and intensive long-term follow-up. The majority of studies show that LAGB is an extremely safe and effective procedure, with an operative mortality of 0-0.1% and excess weight loss (%EWL) of 50-60%. Commensurate with this degree of weight loss, almost all studies show substantial improvements in obesity-related co-morbidities, such as hypertension, type II diabetes, and dyslipidemia. In addition, LAGB has been shown to be both safe and effective in the super-obese, in adolescents, and in older patients and can be delivered as an ambulatory procedure. Operative mortality and early complication rates are significantly higher for RYGBP and, whilst gastric bypass results in greater weight loss than LAGB in the first 2 years, at 3 years and beyond the difference appears to be less marked. Overall, LAGB provides a safe, effective intervention for obese patients and remains our first-choice procedure for bariatric surgery.

Kate,

Thanks for sharing.

Here's the key "take-home" message for me:

Optimal outcomes after LAGB are a function of correct laparoscopic technique, an experienced surgical team, a well-engineered device, and intensive long-term follow-up.

Jean

Righ on, Jean.  I credit my incredibly skilled surgeon and her wonderful, caring staff (many of whom are banded themselves) and the fantastic followup care I receive at my clinic for at least 50% of my success.  The other 50% I attribute to going into this with my eyes wide open and an iron will to succeed, whi*****ludes never eating sugar or processed food and walking 25+ miles each and every week (I walk to my office and back every day so this exercise is easily worked into my daily routine without any problem at all).  After 100 lbs lost in 12 months I had reached a stall, so last week I joined a gym and started weight training 3x a week - we'll see how that works out.  But whatever happens, I could not be happier with my band.

EXACTLY, Jean!!!  Great info Kate.  Thanks for sharing.

 Very informative, thanks for posting it for all to see