The purpose of this study was to examine 1,014 consecutive laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) procedures with up to 48 months of followup, including evolution and changes in surgical technique, learning curve issues, weight loss outcomes, and complications.

Between October 2000 and December 2004, 1,014 consecutive patients (81.8% women, mean age 42.3 years, mean body mass index 47.7 ± 8.6 kg/m²) underwent LAGB operation at our center. Perigastric dissection was used in the first 44 patients; pars flaccida technique was used for the latter 970 patients. Fluoroscopy-guided adjustments were performed and patients received intensive followup.

Excess weight loss at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months was 40.5 ± 17%, 52.9 ± 19.5%, 62 ± 20.9%, and 64.3 ± 19%, respectively, with data available in > 85% of patients who had reached each of the time intervals. Patients with lower preoperative body mass index had higher excess weight loss initially, but this difference was not apparent at 3 and 4 years’ followup. At 36 and 48 months, respectively, 73.5% and 75% of patients had > 50% excess weight loss. Perigastric dissection led to 9 of 44 (20.5%) slippages, compared with 14 of 970 (1.4%) with pars flaccida technique. Other complications included 2 erosions (0.2%), 5 tubing breaks (0.5%), 7 access port problems (0.7%), and 14 acute stoma obstructions (1.4%). Eight (0.8%) bands were explanted. No deaths occurred.

LAGB can achieve effective and safe weight loss. Change from perigastric to pars flaccida technique reduced slippage rate. Preoperative body mass index alone was not found to be a predictor of effective weight loss in the longterm.