[Long term effects o gastric banding for weight reduction]. / Langtidseffekt av gastrisk avsnøring for slanking.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is defined as body weight exceeding normal weight by 30%, or a body mass index (BMI) > 30. Various surgical procedures have been introduced to treat obesity. Gastric banding is a variant of the gastroplastic method. Our aim was to study the long term effect of this procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over the years 1982 to 1988, gastric banding was performed at the county hospital of Haugesund in 26 patients with a mean age of 35.7 years and a mean preoperative BMI of 41.2. Data were obtained from patient files and from questionnaires returned by 24 patients, on average 14 years after the operation. RESULTS: Mean BMI for 16 patients with an intact banding device at follow-up was 35.2. Mean weight reduction was 15 kilograms. 58% of the patients regretted the procedure. Only a few were completely satisfied. INTERPRETATION: Long term results of gastric banding are not satisfactory.