Background: Obesity and its related comorbid illnesses have become a national health priority. We report comorbidity and quality of life (QoL) data after weight loss with gastric banding using the Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band (SAGB). Methods: Data were collected prospectively for 838 Consecutive morbidly obese patients who Underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) between January 2001 and July 2007. patients were followed-up by a Multidisciplinary team consisting of a Surgeon. Physician, dietician, and exercise consultant. all of whom were involved in the evaluation of clinical Outcomes. Continuous data were reported as mean +/- SD; categorical data were reported as number and percentage. Patients served as their own controls. Results: Respective preoperative mean age, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were 44 years (range 16-76). 1222 kg (range 86-240), and 44 kg/m(2) (range 35-86). respectively. SAGB implantation was accomplished by the pars flaccida technique with no conversion to an open procedure. Mature follow-up data were available for 35% of patients at 24 months and 21% at 36 months. In the total cohort of 838 patients. BMI (mean +/- SD) decreased to 32 5 kg/m(2) and 32 7 kg/m(2) at 24 months and 36 months, respectively. Percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) (mean +/- SD) was 32% +/- 14% (n = 506), 47%; +/- 15% (n = 461). 52% +/- 16% (n = 291). and 54% +/- 23% (n = 175) at 6, 12. 24, and 36 months, respectively (P <.001). There were 545 patients identified with comorbid illness at >6-month follow-up, After a median follow-up of 13 months (range 6-36 months), resolution and/or improvement of comorbidities was as follows; type 2 diabetes mellitus. 79%; metabolic syndrome, 79%; hypertension. 67%; dyslipidemia. 66%; gastroesophageal reflux. 66%; asthma, 57% arthritis/joint pain, 70% polycystic ovarian syndrome, 48%; and depression. 57%. There was a significant improvement in QoL (as measured by the Short Form-36 Health Survey [SF-36]). bringing patients' QoL to a level consistent with that of community norms in all 8 domain scores. Of 342 patients surveyed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), a statistically significant improvement in depressive mood was also observed (P <.001). Conclusion: Weight loss achieved by use of the SAGB provides a dramatic reduction in many serious comorbid illnesses as well as improvement in the psychosocial wellbeing of morbidly obese patients. (Surg Obes Relat Dis 2008;4;S39-S46.) (C) 2008 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. All rights reserved.
