Changes in satiety, supra- and infraband transit, and gastric emptying following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: A prospective follow-up study

Background Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) induces and sustains weight loss, likely by activating the peripheral satiety mechanism. Recent data suggests that food is not retained above the optimally adjusted LAGB, suggesting that an alternate mechanism is inducing satiety. How transit and gastric emptying change following LAGB and correlate with satiety and weight loss have not been adequately defined. Methods LAGB patients underwent preoperative and 12-month follow-up nuclear scintigraphic assessments of esophageal transit and gastric emptying. A new technique that allowed the calculation of emptying times and transit through the supra- and infraband compartments was used to assess emptying and transit patterns postoperatively. Conclusions Weight loss, satiety, and early satiation following LAGB were associated with briefly delayed bolus transit into the infraband stomach. Retention of the semisolid meal above the LAGB was not observed. This is further evidence that suggests satiety develops following LAGB without physical restriction of meal size.