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Pregnancies after adjustable gastric banding.
H G Weiss1, H Nehoda, B Labeck
1Department of General Surgery, University Hospital of Innsbruck, Austria. helmut.weiss@uibk.ac.at
Obesity Surgery
|July 4, 2001
Summary
Unexpected pregnancies can occur in morbidly obese women within two years of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Decompressing the gastric band for nausea negates weight loss and increases risks.
Area of Science:
- Bariatric Surgery
- Reproductive Health
- Obesity Medicine
Background:
- Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a bariatric surgery for morbid obesity.
- Pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing LAGB require careful evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess pregnancy outcomes in morbidly obese women within two years of LAGB.
- To identify potential risks and complications associated with early pregnancy post-LAGB.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 215 morbidly obese women (age 18-45) who underwent LAGB.
- Women agreed to use reliable contraception for two years post-surgery.
Main Results:
- Seven unexpected pregnancies occurred; five resulted in full-term deliveries (3 vaginal, 2 cesarean).
- Birth weights ranged from 2110g to 3860g; two women experienced first-trimester miscarriages.
- Gastric bands were decompressed for nausea/vomiting, leading to weight gain; two serious complications (band migration, balloon defect) required re-operation.
Conclusions:
- Early pregnancy post-LAGB can be unexpected during weight loss.
- Prophylactic band decompression compromises obesity treatment efficacy.
- This cohort exhibited increased spontaneous abortions and band-related complications.