How effective is the low-pressure adjustable gastric band for long-term treatment of obesity?

Abstract

Obesity — and its extreme form, morbid obesity — is a chronic, multifactorial disorder associated with numerous economic, social, and psychological factors. Obesity causes medical complications and is a worldwide problem that is increasingly evident in children; therefore, strategies to prevent obesity and therapeutic measures that achieve long-term sustainable weight loss in obese patients are needed. The success of conservative treatments for morbidly obese patients is limited, particularly in terms of long-term efficacy. Bariatric surgery, therefore, is the treatment of choice. This type is surgery has existed for more than 50 years, and variations in bariatric surgical procedures are based on two different principles—reducing intestinal absorption and restricting stomach volume. In terms of restrictive procedures, the adjustable gastric band is an established and common therapeutic option. This commentary discusses the findings and limitations of a study by Anwar and co-workers, which investigated the long-term efficacy of a low-pressure adjustable gastric band for the treatment of morbid obesity.