Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Setting a goal helps individuals achieve their long-term aims. A goal that challenges an individual, but at the same time is achievable, is likely to be attained. Candidates for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) may have different long-term goals, which may include achieving a particular weight loss or clothes size.

Methods: 39 individuals undergoing LAGB were prospectively monitored for 5 years. Participants were weighed, had a 1:1 interview, and completed three standardised psychometric questionnaires (CARVAL/CARSAL, DAS-24) at 7 time points; pre-LAGB, 6 months post-surgery, and annually until 5 years post-operatively. Prior to analysis the sample were grouped based on their pre-LAGB goal; weight loss (n=23) or clothes size (n=16). Repeated-measures ANOVAs were used to explore potential differences between groups.

Results: Psychometric measures demonstrated a positive difference in CARVAL, CARSAL and DAS-24 scores over the 5 years, but no differences were observed between the weight and clothes goal groups. Similarly, measures of weight, total weight lost, and excess body weight loss demonstrated a positive difference over the 5 year period, but no difference was observed between the weight and clothes goal groups.

Conclusion: Outcomes following LAGB appear to be positive regardless of the long-term goal an individual chooses. If clinicians are aware of an individual’s long-term goal following surgery, advice and support may be tailored to help them to achieve this goal. Knowing the individual’s goal is important, as this will help clinicians identify and manage unrealistic long-term goals.