Laparoscopic Gastric Banding: A Powerful Weapon in the Fight Against Adolescent Obesity

The results of a recent LapBand® study shed light on a dark problem for America's youth.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) March 25, 2007 -- A recent article in the Elsevier Journal of Science and Health discussed the results of a study designed to test the impact of laparoscopic gastric banding procedures on morbidly obese adolescents.

The study followed the progress of 17 patients, with a median age of 17, who had undergone laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding by the same surgeon.

After 24 months patients lost a median of 59.3 percent of their excess weight and experienced a drop in BMI (Body Mass Index) from 44.7 kg/m2 to 30.2 kg/m2. Only two patients required follow up procedures to fix complications -- a band slip and a leaking port. Overall, the results determined that LapBand® is a safe and effective method for medium term weight loss in morbidly obese adolescents.

When asked to comment on the study, Dr. Gregg H. Jossart of Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco, stated, "In a country where 34 percent of the adult population is considered to be overweight, it is of critical importance that we take action against the rising obesity epidemic amongst adolescents."

He continued to explain his stance noting, "This study also represents a huge shift in the way we, as a country, can fight morbid obesity among young people. By giving parents and teenagers real facts about the effectiveness of weight-loss procedures like laparoscopic gastric banding, vertical sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, they will begin to realize that surgical intervention can succeed where diet and exercise fail."

While the initial phase of the study has been completed, scientists will continue to monitor the progress of the 17 patients in hopes of discovering laparoscopic gastric banding's long-term ability to prevent obesity-related diseases like diabetes and congestive heart failure.

About Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco:
Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco (LapSF) is a team of surgeons with a compassionate approach to patient care and a proven commitment to laparoscopic advancement for bariatric surgical procedures. Specializing in the four main bariatric procedures: roux-en-y gastric bypass, vertical gastrectomy, LapBand® and duodenal switch, LapSF has performed over 2,000 procedures, and is recognized by the American Society of Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) as a Center of Excellence.

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