[Reoperation of gastric banding in obesity]

From September 1988 till June 1997 the authors performed gastric banding for morbid obesity in 644 patients. In 14 (2.2%) reoperation was necessary: on account of stenosis of the stoma with excessive weight loss in 10, inadequate weight loss in four patients. Correction was performed by prolonging the circumference of the cuff in five and by re-banding of the stomach and creation of a stoma with a 12 mm diameter and a "small stomach" with a volume of 15 ml in nine patients. No death nor complications were recorded. The results with complete recovery of the condition were excellent in the group with excessive weight loss, more modest in the group with a small weight loss. The authors emphasize the necessity of comprehensive care of obese patients; an optimal bariatric operation must be followed by long-term follow-up of patients to achieve a change of lifestyle as regards dietary habits as well as regular physical activity.