Sustained weight loss and improvement of quality of life after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for morbid obesity: a single surgeon experience in Ireland.
BACKGROUND
Although substantial weight loss is the primary outcome following bariatric surgery, changes in obesity-related morbidity and quality of life (QoL) are equally important. This study reports on weight loss, QoL and health outcomes following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB).


METHODS
Bariatric analysis and reporting outcome system questionnaire survey was carried out on patients who had LAGB. Patients' body weight, body mass index, QoL and co-morbidities were recorded.


RESULTS
Twenty-three of 26 patients answered the questionnaire (response rate of 92%). Fifteen patients (60%) achieved over 50% excess weight loss. Twenty-two patients (84.6%) reported improvement in QoL. Co-morbidities in 18 patients (75%) resolved or improved. One patient had postoperative aspiration pneumonia and no other morbidity was recorded.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a safe and feasible method of bariatric surgery. It can achieve satisfactory weight loss with significant improvement in QoL and co-morbidity provided patients undergo thorough preoperative preparation and rigorous postoperative follow-up.
Chang
K H
KH
Department of Surgery, Galway University Hospital, National University of Ireland, Galway, Republic of Ireland. kahhoong_chang@yahoo.co.uk
Condon
E T
ET
O'Connor
E J
EJ
McAnena
O J
OJ
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult