or to surgery were resolved. With regard to hypertensive conditions, 43 percent (17 pts) were resolved as a result of the surgery. A significant reduction in average triglyceride levels, from 158.2 mg/dL to 119.9 mg/dL was noted, although average cholesterol was not reduced. Greater weight loss led to greater reduction in triglycerides. Excessive triglyceride levels may lead to coronary artery disease.

"We know that gastric procedures using the new Lap-Band system can be effective weight loss methods for people suffering from morbid obesity," said Hadar Spivak, M.D., lead author of the study. "Based on this research, we can confirm that these procedures improve the overall health of patients and reduce a number of serious illnesses."

The study, which monitored results of the gastric restriction procedure using an adjustable Lap-Band system, determined whether the minimally-invasive surgery would impact not only weight, but obesity-associated conditions including GERD, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, asthma and sleep apnea. A total of 163 patients who underwent the procedure and completed at least 16 months of follow-up were included in the study, and data was collected through office visits and questionnaires.

Obesity-related illness status was assessed by comparing medications prescribed for each condition before surgery and at follow-up (20 months on average). Based on type and doses of medications, a resolved, improved, or not improved scale was created. Lap-Band surgery involves the placement of a band around the stomach, which restricts the amount of food in the stomach and limits food flow to the GI tract.

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16-May-2004

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