Healthier Weight Research - Gastric Band

Major Review of the Gastric Band June 2009

We are pleased to announce the publication of a major review of the gastric band in the prestigious World Journal of Surgery. 

The paper was written by Healthier Weight Medical Director, Dr David Ashton, Professor Franco Favretti, Surgical Director and Dr Gianni Segato. 

Insurance claims fall after bariatric surgery March 2008 

In a rather unusual study, a research team at New York's Cornell University examined claims data for 933 patients aged 18-62 who were covered by one of 11 New York State health plans and underwent bariatric surgery during calendar year 2002

For those seeking reassurance about the gastric band, this paper by the Healthier Weight team has the largest number of people studied with the longest follow up data – and it’s good news!

The impact of obesity surgery on menstrual patterns October 2006

Background: Obesity and anovulation (absence of ovulation) are common medical problems in the United States. Anovulation in obese patients primarily manifests with irregular, sporadic or absent menstrual bleeding.

Gastric banding and the six minute walk test July 2006

The six-minute walk test (6mWT) is a simple index of functional capacity in healthy people and it has been used to estimate exercise capacity in obese subjects.

Nutritional consequences of surgery - a comparison June 2006

Background: Gastric bypass is more efficient than adjustable gastric banding (AGB) in weight loss and relieving co-morbidities, but nutritional complications of each surgical procedure have been poorly evaluated.

Laparoscopic gastric banding improves quality of life June 2006

It is sometimes assumed that surgical intervention for obesity through laparoscopic banding is a quick solution .  It is not. The objectives of obesity surgery are not only the reduction of body weight, but also the improvement of obesity-related diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

Lap banding versus weight loss programmes. Which is better? May 2006

Background:  Obesity is a major, growing health problem.  Observational studies suggest that bariatric surgery is more effective than nonsurgical therapy, but no randomized, controlled trials have confirmed this

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in adolescents: April 2006

Morbid obesity is a rising problem in adolescents in the industrial nations. Up to 25% of children have a body mass index (BMI) higher than the 85th age- and sex-adjusted percentile.

Sweet eaters do well after lap-banding April 2002

It is commonly believed that sweet eaters will do poorly following lap-band surgery, though there is actually scant evidence for this.

Effect of lap banding on sleep July 2001

Obesity is the major cause of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).  OSA is a common disorder which takes its name from the Greek word apnea, meaning "without breath". 

Lap banding safe and effective during pregnancy June 2001

Severely obese women have higher obstetric risks and poorer neonatal outcomes.  Weight loss increases fertility and reduces the risk of obsteteric complications in obese women. 

Gastroesophageal reflux disease and lap banding January 1999

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition which is often aggravated by obesity.  Several reports have suggested that gastric banding can aggravate or even cause reflux.