The largest published long-term study of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) has reported that the procedure is a safe and effective solution for obesity, with 47% excess weight loss (EWL) after 15 years.
The results of the 15-year study, which were published in the journal Annals of Surgery, also includes a systematic literature review for weight loss at ten years or more supporting the view that LAGB is safer than Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The review finds that the long-term weight loss outcomes and needs for revisional surgery of these two procedures are “not different”.
"These results show that when you have a significant problem with obesity, a long-term solution is available," said Professor Paul O'Brien, Centre for Obesity Research and Education, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. "This surgery is safe and effective, and it has lasting benefits. Substantial weight loss can change the lives of people who are obese - they can be healthier and live longer."