[Laparoscopic gastric banding in therapy of obesity. Which patients benefit?]

In view of concomitant illnesses and sequelae associated with significantly increased morbidity and mortality, obesity is considered a major pathological condition. The aim of treatment must be the lasting reduction of overweight. The prerequisite for this is a fundamental change in the patient's inappropriate eating habits, as also other lifestyle aspects. This requires comprehensive and long-term disciplinary management. Within this framework, surgical treatment, in particular the laparoscopic placement of an adjustable gastric band, is the most effective form of achieving weight reduction. The band delays passage of food, and causes early distension of the stomach wall, thus inducing a sensation of satiety. To ensure therapeutic success, nutritional and surgical counseling of the patient has a major role to play.