Long-term results of aggressive weight reduction treatment

We have checked weight changes in 11 patients eight years after 2-weeks in-patient weight reduction treatment and weight changes of another group of 11 patients three years after gastric banding. Using multiple linear regression we've looked for factors which could influence the aforementioned weight changes. For weight reduction regimens we confirmed only the following connection: BMI reduction in 8 years = 12.256 - 2.827 x BMI reduction in 2 weeks. For gastric banding it was: BMI reduction in 3 years = -7.880 + 2.383 x BMI reduction in 6 months. We therefore conclude that the long term effects of reduction regimens is not influenced by any hormonal or metabolic characteristics of the patient, but can be predicted by the early weight loss of the patient. Patients who lose too much during the reduction regimen will find it more difficult to keep the weight down, whereas patients who lose weight rapidly after gastric banding have the best long term prognosis.