Abstract
Aims: This study assessed the patterns of weight change in response to surgical treatment for obesity. Methods: Vertical Banded Gastroplication (VBG) was performed during the period 1994–2000. Patients were required to follow a liquid diet (8oo kcals) for 12 weeks before surgery. The same diet plus a multivitamin capsule (Forceval) was followed for 12 weeks postoperatively, after which normal foods were introduced. Data from 23 patients, 16 women and 7 men, aged 33–63 years (mean, SD; 42±8yrs), with BMI from 38 to 69 kg/m2 (52.5 ± 8.1 kg/m2) at the time of the surgery were available for analysis. Follow up was 3 to 7 years (mean 4 years). Results: An initial weight loss of 44.4 ± 24.3 kg (min 11.5, max 110.5 kg) was reached during the first two years (mean BMI decrease 15.8 kg/m2). However a regain in weight (36% of the initial weight loss = 5.6 kg/m2) up to 3 to 7 years after surgery was usual. Average annual regain was 13.6 kg (n=17), 9.45 kg (n=11) and 0.8 kg (n=8) during the 3rd, 4th and 5th year after surgery). Five participants reached a BMI below 30 but only one, BMI<25, has maintained all the weight loss after 5 years. Conclusions: Weight loss following VBG ceased after two years with a subsequent substantial weight regain. Auxiliary therapies to counteract weight regain are necessary after VBG.
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