Lap Band Surgery is a Safe and Effective Weight Loss Solution for Older Patients

Weight loss experts agree that bariatric surgery is an excellent treatment for obesity. It can help patients who have had difficult losing weight by other means finally sustain weight loss. Losing excess weight can also resolve obesity-related health issues, like sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes. Thus far, there has been some hesitation to perform the surgery on patients over the age of 65. This is because there has been little data collected regarding outcomes for that age group. Here, Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding and colleagues present a study of geriatric lap band surgery patients. Their findings suggest that this gastric surgery for weight loss is both safe and effective for older patients.

Study Methods

For this retrospective study, Christine Ren-Fielding and colleagues focused on a group of patients over the age of 70.  These 55 patients each had lap band surgery at the NYU Langone Medical Center between 2003 and 2011.  Each also met the NIH criteria for bariatric surgery. In each case, a board-certified bariatric surgeon performed the gastric surgery for weight loss.

Each patient underwent extensive testing before surgery, including assessments by cardiologists and pulmonologists.  They also had psychological evaluations to ensure emotional preparedness.

The researchers examined patient demographics, as well as BMI and percentage of excess weight lost (%EWL) after surgery.  They also compared levels of medications taken before and after bariatric surgery. If there were comorbidities, they noted any changes to these conditions in the years after surgery.

Before and After Gastric Surgery for Weight Loss

At a median of 18 months after surgery, the %EWL for this patient group was about 40%.  This is favorable compared to younger lap band surgery patients.  Many patients also experienced improvement or resolution of their obesity-related comorbidities.  Of the 235 individual comorbidities recorded, 73 (31%) resolved and 49 (21%) improved. Some of these included type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia (high lipids), and sleep apnea. Some patients reported improvements to their stamina, too, finding it easier to climb stairs without feeling out of breath.

In conclusion, these data suggest that lap band surgery is well-tolerated and effective for patients over the age of 70.  Of course careful consideration is always important before recommending surgery for any patient. Of the available gastric surgery for weight loss procedures, lap band surgery is one of the lowest risk.

For a Full Evaluation by Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding

Are you a good candidate for bariatric surgery?  Please contact Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding at the NYU Langone Weight Management Program.