Gastric banding in the treatment of morbid obesity. Factors influencing immediate and long-term results.

Gastric banding for morbid obesity was performed on 73 patients between April 1983 and December 1986. Early complications occurred in 16% and late complications in 15% of the cases. A second operation was performed on 12 patients, with removal of the band in 11 (15%). Initial weight loss was rapid. Re-examination of 67 patients indicated that this initial loss was followed by a time-related weight gain. Weight reduction occurred as a fairly constant proportion of preoperative weight, irrespective of the degree of obesity. Weight loss to body mass index less than or equal to 30 seems to be a realistic expectation only for moderately overweight patients, not for the hyperobese. Older patients had least weight loss. The data suggest that dietary restrictions will still be needed after gastric banding.