Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding is more Effective in Body Mass Index<40 Kg/m2 for Short Term Weight Loss

Background: Obesity is a global health problem. Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) is a type of bariatric surgery that is effective for weight loss and control of co-morbidities. Long-term results of LAGB in different obesity groups have been widely studied in Western populations but not in a multi-racial Asian population such as in Singapore. This paper aims to compare the outcomes of LAGB and describe its complications in obese Singaporean patients with Body Mass Index (BMI) 0.05). At the end of five years follow-up, Group A achieved 18.8%WL and 52.6% EWL while Group B achieved 18.7% WL and 34.9% EWL. In both groups, peak %WL was attained at 3 to 4 year follow-up before it tapered. A total of 90 patients (25%) developed complications during the study, with seven mortalities on follow-up, out of which two were band-related. Conclusion: LAGB is an effective bariatric surgical option for weight loss in obese Singaporean patients over a short-term but it is more beneficial for patients with BMI <40 kg/m2.