title: Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) Aftercare Attendance and Attrition.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Regular aftercare attendance following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is associated with greater weight loss and fewer post-surgical complications. Despite high reported rates of attrition from LAGB aftercare, the reasons for non-attendance have not been previously explored. The present study aimed to explore patient-reported barriers to LAGB aftercare attendance, and the perceived helpfulness of potential attrition-reducing strategies, in both regular attendees and non-attendees of aftercare.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and seventy-nine participants (107 regular attendees and 72 non-attendees) completed a semi-structured questionnaire, assessing barriers to attrition (101 items) and usefulness of attrition prevention strategies (14 items).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Findings indicate that both regular attendees and non-attendees experience multiple barriers to aftercare attendance. Non-attendees generally reported that barriers had a greater impact on their aftercare attendance. There was evidence for some level of acceptability for attrition-reducing strategies suggesting that LAGB patients may be receptive to such strategies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Current findings highlight the importance of assessing barriers to treatment in both attendees and non-attendees. It is proposed that addressing barriers that differentiate non-attendees from attendees may be most effective in reducing attrition from aftercare.
authors: Centre for Obesity Research and Education, Monash University, Level 6, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, Australia, lisa.s.hochberg@gmail.com.
authors: Lisa S
authors: LS
authors: Hochberg
authors: Kylie D
authors: KD
authors: Murphy
authors: Paul E
authors: PE
authors: O'Brien
authors: Leah
authors: L
authors: Brennan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000359:Aftercare / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000379:methods*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss