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Abstract
Background: Obesity is often associated with diminished health-related quality of life (HRQOL), but significant gains in HRQOL have been observed after bariatric surgery. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding has been established as a safe, effective treatment to reduce weight in patients with obesity. This report summarizes interim 3-year changes in HRQOL and body weight, as well as safety postimplantation of the LAP-BAND AP (LBAP) system. Methods: The LAP-BAND AP EXperience (APEX) trial, an ongoing, prospective, 5-year, open-label study, assessed changes in HRQOL (Obesity and Weight-Loss Quality of Life [OWLQOL] questionnaire) and body weight, and safety after placement of LBAP. This interim analysis represents patients with evaluable OWLQOL data at baseline and at 3 years (n = 183). Results: The OWLQOL total score and individual scores significantly improved within 6 months post-LBAP and continued to improve during a 3 year period (P < 0.0001, both). Total score improved from 71.0 to 34.0 (mean improvement from baseline, 52%; range, 18%–65%); mean change in individual scores was −2.2 (range, −0.7 to −3.0). Percent weight loss was maintained through 3 years (19.4%; n = 174). Improvement in OWLQOL was associated with percent weight loss at 3 years (r = −0.5407; P < 0.0001). Revisions and explants were performed in 7 (3.8%) and 20 (10.9%) out of 183 patients, respectively. Conclusions: Meaningful improvement in quality of life occurred through clinically significant weight loss after LBAP placement, extending throughout the 3 years of this analysis.