title: A five year Canadian laparoscopic adjustable gastric band experience.
abstract: 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 LAGB 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
authors.forename: Todd W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Swanson
authors.forename: Bao Q
authors.initials: BQ
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.forename: Con H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Rusnak
authors.forename: David F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Schaeffer
authors.forename: Bradley J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Amson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001955:British Columbia; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D011336:Probability; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss