Long-Term Maintenance of Gastric Band, even after Replacement, Improves Outcomes

Background: We estimated the surgical effects of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in a sample of primary band patients in comparison to patients who needed band replacement due to band malfunction. Methods: An historical cohort study, composed of patients who underwent LAGB in surgery ward A, Soroka University Medical Center, which compared primary to revisional band patients. We used a set of questionnaires, including demographics data, health condition, and a quality-of-life evaluation (Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System [BAROS]). Results: Our study included 343 patients, of whom 97 were revisional surgery to replace the band due to mechanical reasons and 217 had a primary band operation. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding demographics or weight, apart from gender. The total BAROS score was significantly different between the groups, significantly better for good/excellent results among the band replacements. Conclusions: Our results have shown that band replacement has a similar complication rate to primary surgery. The results of band replacement are very similar to primary band surgery and even show a larger reduction in excess weight over time. We believe that LAGB contributes to the improvement of comorbidities in patients who have undergone band replacement, at least as in the general population.