Gastric Surgery for Weight Loss Success

Obesity continues to be a prevalent health issues. Almost 33% of adults meet the criteria for obesity and nearly 5% are morbidly obese.  Lap band surgery is a gastric surgery for weight loss that has been growing in popularity. Not only is it minimally invasive, it is reversible.  Most of the previous data regarding this procedure is shorter term.  Here, Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding and colleagues present a new longer term study. Patients report excellent outcomes six years after this bariatric surgery procedure.

Methods and Analysis

This retrospective study included 2,909 patients who underwent lap band surgery at NYU Langone Medical Center. Patients were all over the age of 18 and had one or more weight measurements taken following bariatric surgery.

All patients went through an extensive preoperation program.  This included informational sessions, clinical evaluations, and psychological exams.  Patients also met with nutritionists to learn about both pre- and post-surgery diets.

Post-operative follow-ups were also thorough.  Patients met with their doctors for regular band adjustments. In addition, they met with nutritionists and other clinicians as needed as they adapted to life after bariatric surgery. They generally had office visits every 4-6 weeks the year after gastric surgery for weight loss.  They met with their doctors quarterly during the second year after gastric surgery for weight loss.  Afterward, patients checked in annually, or more often if needed.

Analysis Before and After Bariatric Surgery

Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding and colleagues analyzed all available data, including demographics and comorbidities. They also assessed BMI, percentage of excess weight lost (%EWL), and any difficulties following surgery. Because this was a long-term study, the researchers considered weight data at one year intervals. Where data was missing, they interpolated the missing values to attain a good approximation.

Weight Loss in the Six Years After Lap Band Surgery

Overall, weight loss was gradual for the first three years.  The average peak %EWL was during years 2 and 3.  The same was true for reduction in BMI, which showed the steepest drop three years after surgery.

On the whole, Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding and colleagues found that patients achieved significant and sustainable weight loss.  After six years, %EWL was an average of 50.  The patients who were most successful tended to be younger, female Caucasian patients.  Patients who made more than 7 office visits per year had significantly higher %EWL, too.

These data not only show the efficacy of lap band surgery as a bariatric surgery option.  They also emphasize the importance of follow-up care. Such frequent office visits may seem daunting, but they are vital to success after gastric surgery for weight loss. Many clinicians are offering longer hours and additional locations to help patients comply with these recommendations and succeed.

In conclusion, lap band surgery has excellent weight loss outcomes in the longer term.  

For a Bariatric Surgery Consultation with Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding

Interested in gastric surgery for weight loss? For a full evaluation, contact Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding and colleagues at the NYU Langone Weight Management Program.