The Lap-Band system in the United States: One surgeon?s experience with 271 patients

Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Hypertension

Purpose: Obesity is a growing epidemic leading to worldwide public health concerns. Bariatric surgery is an option for patients with a body mass index (BMI) >40 kg/m2 or BMI of >35 kg/m2 with serious comorbid conditions. This meta-analysis examines the effect of bariatric surgery on the improvement or resolution of hypertension. Methods: Two independent investigators conducted a literature search of PubMed (1990-2013) and Cochrane databases using the terms bariatric surgery and hypertension to identify appropriate human adult studies published in English. Studies were included if they reported the number of patients with hypertension prior to undergoing any bariatric surgery procedure and whether the hypertension improved or resolved postsurgery. The number of patients with hypertension and their response rates were extracted and analyzed using RevMan 5.2.5. Results: In all, 31 prospective and 26 retrospective studies met all criteria. The types of bariatric surgery performed included Roux-en-Y, gastric banding, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, vertical gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, duodenal switch, and biliopancreatic diversion. The time to first follow-up after surgery varied from 1 week to 7 years. Of the 57 studies, 32 reported improvement of hypertension in 32 628 of 51 241 patients (odds ratio [OR] = 13.24; 95% CI = 7.73, 22.68; P < 0.00001); 46 studies reported the resolution of hypertension in 24 902 of 49 844 patients (OR = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.13, 2.58; P = 0.01). A random-effects model was used because the heterogeneity between the studies was high ( I2 = 97%). Conclusion: The results of this meta-analysis indicate that patients who undergo bariatric surgery experience improvement and resolution of their hypertension.

Imaging of bariatric surgery: normal anatomy and postoperative complications

Obesity is a disease that has reached epidemic proportions in the United States and around the world. During the past 2 decades, bariatric surgery has become an increasingly popular form of treatment for morbid obesity. The most common bariatric procedures performed include laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Fluoroscopic upper gastrointestinal examinations and abdominal computed tomography (CT) are the major imaging tests used to evaluate patients after these various forms of bariatric surgery. The purpose of this article is to present the surgical anatomy and normal imaging findings and postoperative complications for these bariatric procedures at fluoroscopic examinations and CT. Complications after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass include anastomotic leaks and strictures, marginal ulcers, jejunal ischemia, small bowel obstruction, internal hernias, intussusception, and recurrent weight gain. Complications after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding include stomal stenosis, malpositioned bands, pouch dilation, band slippage, perforation, gastric volvulus, intraluminal band erosion, and port- and band-related problems. Finally, complications after sleeve gastrectomy include postoperative leaks and strictures, gastric dilation, and gastroesophageal reflux. The imaging features of these various complications of bariatric surgery are discussed and illustrated.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: 10-year results of a prospective, randomized trial

BACKGROUND

There are few studies of long-term outcomes for either laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). The objective of this study was to compare outcomes of patients randomly assigned to undergo LAGB or LRYGB at 10 years.

METHODS

LAGB, using the pars flaccida technique, and standard LRYGB were performed. From January 2000 to November 2000, 51 patients (mean age 34.0 ± 8.9 years; range 20-49) were randomly allocated to undergo either LAGB (n = 27, 5 men and 22 women; mean age 33.3 years; mean weight 120 kg; mean body mass index [BMI] 43.4 kg/m(2)) or LRYGB (n = 24, 4 men and 20 women; mean age 34.7; mean weight 120 kg; mean BMI 43.8 kg/m(2)). Data on complications, reoperations, weight, BMI, percentage of excess weight loss, and co-morbidities were collected yearly. The data were analyzed using Student's t test and Fisher's exact test, with P<.05 considered significant.

RESULTS

Five patients in the LAGB group and 3 patients in the LRYGB group were lost to follow-up. No patient died. Conversion to laparotomy was performed in 1 (4.2%) of 24 LRYGB patients. Reoperations were required in 9 (40.9%) of 22 LAGB patients and in 6 (28.6%) of the 21 LRYGB patients. At 10-year follow-up, the LRYGB patients had a greater percentage of mean excess weight loss than did the LAGB patients (69±29% versus 46±27%; P = .03).

CONCLUSION

LRYGB was superior to LAGB in term of excess weight loss results (76.2% versus 46.2%) at 10 years. However, LRYGB exposes patients to higher early complication rates than LAGB (8.3% versus 0%) and potentially lethal long-term surgical complications (internal hernia and bowel obstruction rate: 4.7%).

Impact of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding on type 2 diabetes

Bariatric surgery is becoming an accepted option for obese people with type 2 diabetes. Our aim was to assess the impact of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) through a systematic review of the literature. Data was sourced from Scopus, MEDLINE and EMBASE published from 2000 through May 2011, and five unpublished studies that were performed by industry for regulatory approval were also included. Studies were selected on the basis that they provide some detail of diabetes status before and after LAGB. There were 35 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. There was considerable heterogeneity in study design, sample size, length of follow-up, attrition rates and classification of diabetes status. Weight loss was progressive over the first 2 years with a weighted average of 47% excess weight loss at 2 years. Remission or improvement in diabetes varied from 53% to 70% over different time periods. Results were broadly consistent, demonstrating clinically relevant improvements in diabetes outcomes with sustained weight loss in obese people with type 2 diabetes following LAGB surgery. However, there were significant shortcomings in the reviewed literature with few high-quality studies, inconsistent reporting of diabetes outcomes and high attrition rates. Long-term studies that address these limitations are needed.

Effect of bariatric surgery on cardiovascular risk profile

Obesity is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD) and CV mortality. Bariatric surgery has been shown to resolve or improve CVD risk factors, to varying degrees. The objective of this systematic review was to determine the impact of bariatric surgery on CV risk factors and mortality. A systematic review of the published research was performed to evaluate evidence regarding CV outcomes in morbidly obese bariatric patients. Two major databases (PubMed and the Cochrane Library) were searched. The review included all original reports reporting outcomes after bariatric surgery, published in English, from January 1950 to July 2010. In total, 637 studies were identified from the initial screen. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 52 studies involving 16,867 patients were included (mean age 42 years, 78% women). The baseline prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia was 49%, 28%, and 46%, respectively. Mean follow-up was 34 months (range 3 to 155), and the average excess weight loss was 52% (range 16% to 87%). Most studies reported significant decreases postoperatively in the prevalence of CV risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Mean systolic pressure reduced from to 139 to 124 mm Hg and diastolic pressure from 87 to 77 mm Hg. C-reactive protein decreased, endothelial function improved, and a 40% relative risk reduction for 10-year coronary heart disease risk was observed, as determined by the Framingham risk score. In conclusion, this review highlights the benefits of bariatric surgery in reducing or eliminating risk factors for CVD. It provides further evidence to support surgical treatment of obesity to achieve CVD risk reduction.

Medical management of postsurgical complications: the bariatric surgeon's perspective

Bariatric surgery remains the only effective method to initiate and sustain massive weight loss in morbidly obese patients. Along with the advent of minimal access surgery, its popularity has not only resulted in an exponential increase in number of cases but also a subsequent increase in number of complications. Although most postsurgical bariatric complications are managed surgically, it is imperative that all physicians be aware of the unique potential complications to effectively communicate and optimize the medical management in this emergent set of patients.

Bariatric surgery for the treatment of morbid obesity: a meta-analysis of weight loss outcomes for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and laparoscopic gastric bypass

Bariatric surgery has emerged as an important tool in the fight against morbid obesity. However, reviewers have noted that there is a scarcity of long-term clinical surveillance data for bariatric surgery beyond 1-year follow-up and that a high percentage of patients are lost to follow-up, raising questions regarding the accuracy of current outcomes estimates. A meta-analysis of clinical reports providing bariatric surgery weight loss outcomes for morbidly obese patients was conducted over the period 2003-2007. Studies included were randomized controlled trials, nonrandomized controlled trials, and consecutive case series involving patients receiving either laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) or laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB) surgery. Included studies involved n = 7,383 patients and were largely academic hospital-based (78.6%) and retrospective in design (71.4%). Weight loss outcome was defined by percent excess weight loss (%EWL). Composite estimates showed a significantly greater %EWL for LGB surgery (62.6%) compared to LAGB (49.4%). The superiority of LGB persisted at all three postsurgical time points examined (1, 2, and >3 years). Problems were identified regarding incomplete or suboptimal data reporting in many studies reviewed, and high patient attrition was evident at 2-year (49.8% LAGB, 75.2% LGB) and >3-year (82.6% LAGB, 89% LGB) end points. This meta-analysis confirms the superiority of LGB to LAGB in %EWL found in earlier studies. Although problems in study quality raised significant concerns regarding the validity of current weight loss estimates in this area, there was no evidence of publication bias.

Benchmarking hospital outcomes for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding

BACKGROUND

Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of laparoscopic adjustable gastric bands (LAGB) in June 2001, the number LAGB procedures performed in the United States has increased exponentially. This study aimed to benchmark the authors' initial hospital experience to FDA research trials and evidence-based literature.

METHODS

Over a 2-year period, 87 consecutive patients with a mean age of 43 years (range, 21-64 years) and a body mass index of 45.6 kg/m2 (range, 35-69 kg/m2) underwent an LAGB procedure at the authors' institution. The authors conducted a retrospective review of the outcomes including conversion, reoperation, mortality, perforation, erosion, prolapse, port dysfunction, excess weight loss, and changes in comorbidities, then compared the data with published benchmarks.

RESULTS

Gender, age, and body mass index were comparable with those of other series. Perioperative adverse events included acute stoma obstruction (n = 1) and respiratory complications (n = 2). Delayed complications included gastric prolapse (n = 4) and port reservoir malposition (n = 4). Five bands were explanted. The mean follow-up period was 14 months (n = 79). The mean percentage of excess weight loss was 30% (range, 4.7-69%) at 6 months, 41% (range, 9.6-82%) at 12 months, and 47% (range, 14-92%) at 24 months. Comorbidities resolved included diabetes (74%), hypertension (57%), gastroesophageal reflux disease (55%) and dyslipidemia (38%).

CONCLUSIONS

The short-term outcomes for LAGB were comparable with published benchmarks. With adequate weight loss, most patients achieve significant improvement in obesity-related illnesses. With new bariatric accreditation standards and mandates required for financial reimbursement, hospitals will need to demonstrate that their clinical outcomes are consistent with best practices. The authors' early experience shows that LAGB achieves significant weight loss with low mortality and morbidity rates. Despite a more gradual weight loss, most patients achieve excellent weight loss with corresponding improvement of comorbidities within the first 2 years postoperatively.

Comparative study between laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and laparoscopic gastric bypass: single-institution, 5-year experience in bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) are common surgical procedures for morbid obesity. Few single-institution studies have compared LRYGB and LAGB.

METHODS

All patients underwent LRYGB or LAGB at Legacy Health System. The data for the study were obtained from a prospectively maintained database. Preoperatively, most patients were allowed to choose between LRYGB and LAGB. Age, gender, body mass index, complications, mortality, and weight loss were examined.

RESULTS

From October 2000 to October 2005, 492 patients underwent LRYGB and 406 patients underwent LAGB. The mean age was 44 +/- 10 and 47 +/- 11 years, respectively (P <.001). The mean preoperative body mass index was 49 +/- 8 and 51 +/- 9 kg/m(2) (P <.05). Patients undergoing LRYGB had longer operative times (134 +/- 41 min versus 68 +/- 26 min, P <.001) and longer hospital stays (2.5 +/- 3.5 d versus 1.1 +/- 1.1 d, P <.001). Blood loss was minimal in both groups. The percentage of excess weight loss was significantly better for patients who underwent LRYGB at all points of follow-up, except at 5 years. Total complications occurred in 32% of patients who underwent LRYGB and 24% of patients who underwent LAGB (P = .002). The 90-day mortality rate was .2% in both groups. The reoperation rate was the same (17%) in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing LAGB had shorter operative times and shorter hospital stays compared with patients undergoing LRYGB. LAGB was associated with a lower complication rate. Early weight loss was significantly greater after LRYGB, but the data comparing long-term weight loss after LRYGB and LAGB have been inconclusive.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: 5-year results of a prospective randomized trial

BACKGROUND

To perform a prospective, randomized comparison of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB).

METHODS

LAGB, using the pars flaccida technique, and standard LRYGB were performed. From January 2000 to November 2000, 51 patients (mean age 34.0 +/- 8.9 years, range 20-49) were randomly allocated to undergo either LAGB (n = 27, 5 men and 22 women, mean age 33.3 years, mean weight 120 kg, mean body mass index [BMI] 43.4 kg/m(2); percentage of excess weight loss 83.8%) or LRYGB (n = 24, 4 men and 20 women, mean age 34.7, mean weight 120 kg, mean BMI 43.8 kg/m(2), percentage of excess weight loss 83.3). Data on the operative time, complications, reoperations with hospital stay, weight, BMI, percentage of excess weight loss, and co-morbidities were collected yearly. Failure was considered a BMI of >35 at 5 years postoperatively. The data were analyzed using Student's t test and Fisher's exact test, with P <.05 considered significant.

RESULTS

The mean operative time was 60 +/- 20 minutes for the LAGB group and 220 +/- 100 minutes for the LRYGB group (P <.001). One patient in the LAGB group was lost to follow-up. No patient died. Conversion to laparotomy was performed in 1 (4.2%) of 24 LRYGB patients because of a posterior leak of the gastrojejunal anastomosis. Reoperations were required in 4 (15.2%) of 26 LAGB patients, 2 because of gastric pouch dilation and 2 because of unsatisfactory weight loss. One of these patients required conversion to biliopancreatic diversion; the remaining 3 patients were on the waiting list for LRYGB. Reoperations were required in 3 (12.5%) of the 24 LRYGB patients, and each was because of a potentially lethal complication. No LAGB patient required reoperation because of an early complication. Of the 27 LAGB patients, 3 had hypertension and 1 had sleep apnea. Of the 24 LRYGB patients, 2 had hyperlipemia, 1 had hypertension, and 1 had type 2 diabetes. Five years after surgery, the diabetes, sleep apnea, and hyperlipemia had resolved. At the 5-year (range 60-66 months) follow-up visit, the LRYGB patients had significantly lower weight and BMI and a greater percentage of excess weight loss than did the LAGB patients. Weight loss failure (BMI >35 kg/m(2) at 5 yr) was observed in 9 (34.6%) of 26 LAGB patients and in 1 (4.2%) of 24 LRYGB patients (P <.001). Of the 26 patients in the LAGB group and 24 in the LRYGB group, 3 (11.5%) and 15 (62.5%) had a BMI of <30 kg/m(2), respectively (P <.001).

CONCLUSION

The results of our study have shown that LRYGB results in better weight loss and a reduced number of failures compared with LAGB, despite the significantly longer operative time and life-threatening complications.

Surgical treatment of obesity

The surgical treatment of obesity has existed for over 50 yr. Surgical options have evolved from high-risk procedures infrequently performed, to safe, effective procedures increasingly performed. The operations used today provide significant durable weight loss, resolution or marked improvement of obesity-related comorbidities, and enhanced quality of life for the majority of patients. The effect of bariatric surgery on the neurohormonal regulation of energy homeostasis is not fully understood. Despite its effectiveness, less than 1% of obese patients are treated surgically. The perception that obesity surgery is unsafe remains a deterrent to care.

Early U.S. outcomes of laparoscopic gastric bypass versus laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding for morbid obesity

Laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGBP) is the gold standard operation for long-term weight control in the United States. Laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding (LASGB) is the preferred operative method for morbid obesity worldwide. Limited data are available comparing the two procedure in the United States. This study compares weight loss, complications, and early outcome of comorbidity resolution in patients who underwent LGBP versus LASGB. A review of prospectively collected data was performed on 392 patients undergoing primary LGBP (n = 232) and LASGB (n = 160) procedures between February 2001 and July 2004. Differences in percentage excess weight lost (%EWL) at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postop, improvement or resolution of comorbidities, and complications across procedure types were evaluated. Mean initial body mass index between groups was not significantly different (LGBP 47.2 vs LASGB 47.1, p < 0.53). There were significant differences in age, gender, and self-reported sweet-eating behavior between operative groups. There was a significantly greater %EWL in patients who underwent LGBP compared to patients of the LASGB groups 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after surgery. There were no significant differences in resolution or improvement of comorbidities between the groups. Although LGBP patients experienced more complications compared to LASGB patients (5.6 vs 4.3%, respectively; p < 0.56), this did not reach statistical significance. Early after surgery, LGBP patients lose more weight than LASGB patients but have similar improvements in comorbidities. Further follow-up is needed to determine the relative long-term efficacy of these procedures.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: 1,014 consecutive cases

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to examine 1,014 consecutive laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) procedures with up to 48 months of followup, including evolution and changes in surgical technique, learning curve issues, weight loss outcomes, and complications.

STUDY DESIGN

Between October 2000 and December 2004, 1,014 consecutive patients (81.8% women, mean age 42.3 years, mean body mass index 47.7 +/- 8.6 kg/m(2)) underwent LAGB operation at our center. Perigastric dissection was used in the first 44 patients; pars flaccida technique was used for the latter 970 patients. Fluoroscopy-guided adjustments were performed and patients received intensive followup.

RESULTS

Excess weight loss at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months was 40.5 +/- 17%, 52.9 +/- 19.5%, 62 +/- 20.9%, and 64.3 +/- 19%, respectively, with data available in > 85% of patients who had reached each of the time intervals. Patients with lower preoperative body mass index had higher excess weight loss initially, but this difference was not apparent at 3 and 4 years' followup. At 36 and 48 months, respectively, 73.5% and 75% of patients had > 50% excess weight loss. Perigastric dissection led to 9 of 44 (20.5%) slippages, compared with 14 of 970 (1.4%) with pars flaccida technique. Other complications included 2 erosions (0.2%), 5 tubing breaks (0.5%), 7 access port problems (0.7%), and 14 acute stoma obstructions (1.4%). Eight (0.8%) bands were explanted. No deaths occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

LAGB can achieve effective and safe weight loss. Change from perigastric to pars flaccida technique reduced slippage rate. Preoperative body mass index alone was not found to be a predictor of effective weight loss in the longterm.

Obese teenagers treated by Lap-Band System: The Italian experience

BACKGROUND

Little is known about obesity surgery in young and adolescent patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate results of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in obese teenagers.

METHODS

Patients < or = 19 years old selected from the database of the Italian Collaborative Study Group for Lap-Band were analyzed according to mortality, comorbidities, laparotomic conversion, intra- and postoperative complications, body mass index (BMI), and % excess weight loss (EWL) at different times of follow-up. Data were expressed as mean +/- SD.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight (1.5%) of 3813 patients who underwent operation with the Lap-Band System were < or = 19 years old: 47F/11M; mean age, 17.96 +/- 0.99 years (range, 15-19); mean BMI, 46.1 +/- 6.31 Kg/m2 (range, 34.9 - 69.25); mean % excess weight, 86.4 +/- 27.1 (range, 34 - 226.53). Sixteen (27.5%) of the 58 patients were superobese (BMI > or = 50). In 27/58 (46.5%) patients, 1 or more comorbidities were diagnosed. Mortality was absent. Laparotomic conversion was necessary in 1 patient with gastric perforation on the anterior wall. Overall postoperative complications occurred in 6/58 (10.3%). The band was removed in 6/58 (10.3%) patients for gastric erosion (3 patients), psychologic, intolerance (2 patients), and in the remaining patient was converted 2 years after surgery (BMI 31) to gastric bypass or gastric pouch dilatation. Patient follow-up at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years was 48/52 (92.3%), 37/42 (88.1%), 25/33 (75.7%), and 10/10, respectively. At these times, mean BMI was 35.9 +/- 8.4, 37.8 +/- 11.27, 34.9 +/- 12.2, and 29.7 +/- 5.2 Kg/m2. Mean %EWL at the same time was 45.6 +/- 29.6, 39.7 +/- 29.8, 43.7 +/- 38.1, and 55.6 +/- 29.2. Five/25 (20%) patients had < or = 25% EWL at 5 years follow-up, while none of the 10 patients subject to follow-up at 7 years had < or = 25% EWL.

CONCLUSIONS

Lap-Band System is an interesting option for teenagers suffering obesity and its related comorbidities, which deserves further investigation.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: an attractive option

Bariatric surgery is the only effective treatment producing sustained weight loss and reduction in comorbidities in the morbidly obese. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) has evolved considerably in techniques of insertion and band management since the initial descriptions in the early 1990s. Major advantages of LAGB include lower perioperative morbidity and mortality, adjust-ability, and reversibility. Although weight loss occurs more slowly than after gastric bypass, end results are comparable.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band

Only a fraction of morbidly obese patients have come forward for bariatric surgery. This article confirms that the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) is a safe, effective, primary weight-loss operation for morbidly obese patients. The LAGB offers a simple, genuinely minimally invasive approach, with the potential to be attractive to many more patients. The key questions are whether it is effective in the longterm and whether it is safe. The midterm data confirm that, so far, LAGB is living up to its early promise as an effective tool. LAGB surgery is safe, and the change to the pars-flaccida approach will lead to even higher patient satisfaction and lower incidence of band removal.

The Lap-Band is an effective tool for weight loss even in the United States

BACKGROUND

Despite impressive results with the Lap-Band in Europe and Australia, the early Food and Drug Administration A trial in the United States showed fairly poor results. This prospective study attempts to determine if the Lap-Band can produce effective weight loss in morbidly obese Americans.

METHODS

Five hundred four consecutive patients have undergone placement of the Lap-Band (Inamed). Four hundred fourteen patients were women (82%) and 90 were men (18%). The median preoperative weight was 138 kg, and the preoperative median body mass was 49 kg/m(2).

RESULTS

Five hundred two bands were placed laparoscopically. One was converted to an open procedure because of lack of exposure, and one was placed open because of multiple previous abdominal surgeries. Median operating time was 50 minutes, and median length of stay was 1.8 days. Percent excess weight loss at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months for all patients was 36%, 50%, 61%, and 65%, respectively. Complications occurred in 96 patients (19%) primarily consisting of port tubing separations, slips, postoperative dysphagia, and port infections. There was one (.2%) mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The Lap-Band system is an effective tool for weight loss surgery in morbidly obese patients in the United States.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for the treatment of adolescent morbid obesity in the United States: a safe alternative to gastric bypass

BACKGROUND

Morbid obesity (MO) has reached epidemic proportions and is a major health problem in developed nations. In the adolescent with MO, early intervention can minimize obesity-related comorbidities, avoid premature mortality, improve quality of life, and prevent obesity-related diseases as these patients mature into adulthood. The primary surgical treatment of adolescent patients meeting National Institutes of Health criteria for bariatric surgery has been the gastric bypass (GB). Although GB has led to weight loss and improvement of comorbid conditions, concerns remain over the high incidence of postoperative complications and life-style-altering long-term sequelae of gastrointestinal tract reconstruction. Based on the excellent results from international adult series as well as the authors' own experience of more than 300 adult patients, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) as an alternative to GB to eligible adolescents was offered.

METHODS

After medical, psychologic, and nutritional screening, 4 patients (ages 17-19 years) with a body mass index of 40 or more (range, 40-61) who failed medical attempts at weight loss were selected for LAGB.

RESULTS

The operative time was 40 to 90 minutes. All patients were discharged on the day of surgery. There were no early complications. One patient had cholecystitis 6 months after surgery requiring laparoscopic cholecystectomy. For the 4 patients, the amount of excess weight loss was 57% at 30 months, 34% at 12 months, 87% at 7 months, and 15% at 4 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In this preliminary series of the US experience in the use of LAGB for the management of adolescents with MO, the lack of operative morbidity, short operative time/hospital stay, and encouraging initial weight loss mirror the adult experience and illustrate that the LAGB is a safe and effective alternative to GB. These encouraging results support further evaluation of LAGB as a surgical option in a comprehensive adolescent weight loss program.