Gastric banding outcomes are better if patients participate in the support group

Abstract

Introduction: We analyzed our first five years of performing gastric bandings. We monitored weight reduction in patients with regard to their participation in the support group. Based on our experience, gastric banding is successful only with thorough assessment and treatment before surgery, as well as methodical, professional support after it. Those who participated in the support group more often had a greater weight reduction than those who were present less frequently. Patients and methods: We performed 264 gastric bandings between May 2005 and May 2010 (66.5 % of all bariatric procedures). On average, patients were 41.0 years old and had a BMI of 42.4 kg/m2. There were 224 female (84.8 %) and 40 male patients (15.2 %). We followed 192 patients for more than one year. 155 patients (80.7 %) were evaluated with BAROS. We excluded patients with hormonal disorders and other pathologies preoperatively. Because gastric banding is not suitable for every patient, we made a thorough psychological evaluation of the patients before the procedure. We offered preoperative and postoperative psychological and dietary support when needed. Results: Patients lost on average 23.4 kg, 31.4 kg and 33.7 kg after the 1st, 2nd and 3rd year, respectively (EWL average of 50.3 %, 65.6 % and 69.8 %, respectively). We monitored the resolution of comorbidities and complications. Both the “comorbidity” and “without comorbidity” groups achieved a grade of “good” on the BAROS quality of life scale (4.85 and 2.64 respectively). Given the Pearson coefficient of r = 0.58 (p < 0.001), we concluded that there is a “moderate to strong” correlation between the number of visits in the support group and EWL. Conclusions: Weight reduction is greater when patients participate in the support group after bariatric surgery.