Gastric acid secretion in extremely obese subjects before and after gastric banding

The gastric acid secretion was studied in 17 extremely obese patients after injection of synthetic gastrin (Peptavlon). The mean basal acid output (BAO) and the peak acid output (PAO) were both within normal range. Positive correlation was found between PAO and body weight. Gastric banding was performed as treatment of the obesity, and the gastric acid secretion was studied in the proximal and the distal pouch after a mean postoperative interval of 8 (range 4-20) weeks. BAO was similar after banding, but PAO was significantly decreased (from 26.3 +/- 3.6 to 16.2 +/- 2.2 mmol/h). PAO and BAO were almost identical in the two pouches, despite great difference in their size.