Experience with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (la-band system) up to 8 years

Morbid obesity occurs in 2-5% of the population in Western countries. Laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding is a minimally invasive, adjustable and reversible procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity. The lap-band system was evaluated retrospectively in a series of 222 patients. Postoperative outcome and weight loss patterns at up to 8 years follow-up are presented. The most frequent late complications were a leak between the port and the catheter, which occurred in 21 patients (9.4%) and total and irreversible food intolerance due to pouch dilation and/or slippage, which occurred in 13 patients (5.8%). The postoperative BMI reductions are successful and stable after a follow-up of up to 96 months. The lap-band system seems an effective procedure for achieving appreciable and stable weight loss up to 8 years of follow-up and the complications and re-operation rates are acceptable. In 81% of the cases also, the patient is very satisfied with the results of the operation. From the 47.3% who found their quality of life before the operation bad or even devastating, 93% envoy life after the operation like never before.