A prospective trial for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in morbidly obese adolescents: an interim report of weight loss, metabolic and quality of life outcomes

Background and Materials and Methods

The outcome of patients completing 12 months of follow-up in a prospective longitudinal trial of the safety/efficacy of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) for morbidly obese adolescents aged 14 to 17 years using a Food and Drug Administration Institutional Device Exemption for the use of the LAPBAND was analyzed. Baseline and outcome data were abstracted from a prospective database.

Results

Baseline (mean ± SD) body mass index was 50 ± 10 kg/m², and excess weight was 178 ± 53 lb in 20 patients. Comorbidities included hypertension (45%), dyslipidemia (80%), insulin resistance (90%), metabolic syndrome (95%), and biopsy-proven nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (88%). At mean (SD) follow-up of 26 (9) months, % excess weight loss was 34% ± 22% (n = 20) and 41% ± 27% (n = 12), and the metabolic syndrome was resolved in 63% and 82% of the patients at 12 and 18 months, respectively. Hypertension normalized in all patients, along with improvement in lipid abnormalities and quality of life scores (P < .05). At 12 months, of the 5 patients with less than 20% excess weight loss, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome were resolved in 2 patients.

Conclusion

At intermediate follow-up of a LAGB-based obesity treatment program, weight loss led to resolution or improvement of major obesity-related comorbidities in most patients, supporting the efficacy of LAGB as a surgical adjunct to a comprehensive obesity treatment program and its long-term evaluation.