Improvement or Resolution of Comorbidities

Weight loss accomplished through behavior modification such as diet and exercise, and pharmacotherapy is often not long-term and can result in patients returning to an overweight or obese state. This can present an increased risk of certain comorbidities such as heart disease, diabetes, and increased cholesterol.¹

Targeting obesity may result in improvements or resolution of comorbidities. Some studies have shown that loss of excess weight through traditional bariatric surgery can benefit some patients with certain comorbid conditions.¹⁷

The LAP-BAND^® System has been associated with improvement or resolution of comorbid conditions, such as^8,17: 

• Type 2 diabetes
• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
• Hypertension
• Certain lipid disorders
• Metabolic syndrome
• Osteoarthritis
• Asthma
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Depression

A study published in 2005 in the American Journal of Surgery reported that, at 36 months after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery (LAGB), the following percentage of improvements or resolution of comorbidities were seen, (n=163 patients with greater than or equal to 18 months follow-up)¹⁸: 

• GERD—87% (usually immediately post surgery)
• Asthma—81.8%
• Diabetes—66%
• Dyslipidemia—63.5%
• Hypertension—48%
• Sleep apnea—33%

An earlier study found that 4 years after LAGB surgery, the rates of resolution/improvement of comorbiditites were: hypertension 58%/42%, diabetes 75%/8%, dyspnea 85%/12%, arthralgia 52%/24%, reflux 79%/11%, self-esteem 45%/39%, and general physical performance 58%/33%. The researchers also noted improvements in stress incontinence, sleep apnea, peripheral edema, and regulation of menstruation.¹⁹

Modern LAGB surgery for weight loss is effective in managing the broad range of health problems experienced by severely obese individuals.¹⁹