Small-diameter bands lead to high complication rates in patients after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding

While weight loss is the primary goal of bariatric procedures, the impact of quality of life (QoL), comorbidity, and surgery-related complications continue to grow. We report on our results of patients up to 12 years of follow-up undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). Preoperative data of 153 patients treated with LAGB were collected retrospectively. Questionnaires were sent to patients to analyze weight loss, complications, and comorbidities. QoL was assessed using the Bariatric Qualit-of-Life (BQL) questionnaire. Of the patients, 83.7% completed the questionnaire. Median follow-up was 8.7 years. Patients were divided into the following groups: Group A (band still in place), group B (band removed), and group C (revision surgery). A significant increase of excess BMI loss (EBL) was found in group A (p