A new study presented at the American College of Cardiology conference last month found that the majority of 50 obese patients who had lapband surgery experienced sustained resolution of metabolic syndrome, persisting as much as five years after surgery. The study involved 50 patients with body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40 and at least 1 obesity related health condition. While nearly half of the patients met metabolic syndrome criteria at the start of the study, at one year post-surgery most experienced resolution of the syndrome, which was sustained throughout year 5. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides–which are all components of metabolic syndrome–were all improved at both 1 and 2 years post-surgery. Blood glucose levels were significantly reduced and sustained as much as 5 years after gastric banding.

In addition to improvement in metabolic syndrome criteria, the researchers reported significant weight loss results, with the average BMI dropping from 35 to 27.9 at 5 years. The researchers concluded that “laparoscopic gastric banding produces significant weight loss and long-term resolution of metabolic syndrome by improvement in multiple diagnostic criteria and reduces use of diabetes and high blood pressure medications.”

Many of the Lap-Band candidates we see have obesity-related health conditions such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. Metabolic syndrome is a lesser known condition, but the American Heart Association estimates as much as 35 percent of the adult population is affected by it. The components of the syndrome include high blood cholesterol levels, a high blood glucose level, insulin resistance and abdominal obesity (carrying excess weight around the middle of the body). This syndrome is particularly dangerous because people with metabolic syndrome are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke and diseases related to fatty buildups in artery walls. The underlying causes of metabolic syndrome are obesity, being overweight and physical inactivity, in addition to genetic factors.

You can learn more about Lap-Band surgery and the many benefits of losing weight by scheduling a consultation. Current and potential patients are always welcome to contact us with questions. We can be reached at 602-234-8995.