Abstract Morbid obesity is the most rapidly increasing health threat of developed countries, and the costs caused by it are already higher than those of smoking. In an increasing number of developing countries both starvation and morbid obesity are increasing simultaneously. Obesity in children and adolescents is also increasing rapidly. Conservative treatment almost invariably fails when treating morbid obesity. Results of pharmacotherapy have been disappointing after great expectations. Laparoscopic gastric banding has been used in the treatment of morbid obesity since 1993. The method was first used mostly in Europe. In the USA either an open or laparoscopic gastric bypass have been the most common methods of surgery.

The aim of this study was to investigate the operation results of 280 patients operated in Vaasa Central Hospital during the 11 years after March 1996. Of these patients, 123 have been followed at least 5 years. The results have been analyzed with BAROS that measures the quality of life.

Quality of life was measured prospectively 1 year after surgery with the 15D questionnaire that is validated in the Finnish population. The effect of gastric banding in esophageal motility and reflux was studied prospectively in 31 patients. Late results were analyzed in 123 patients 11 years after the first operation. Mean excess weight loss (EWL) was 56% in patients who had their band in place 7 years after surgery, and 46% in all patients.

There was no mortality related to the operation, and there was only one serious complication. Disease-specific quality of life improved in 78.8% of the patients in 28 months of follow-up. Health-related quality of life was significantly improved 12 months after surgery, but improvement was not connected to the amount of weight loss. The band inhibited reflux 19 months after surgery.

Complications, failures, and reoperations increase with longer follow-up. Weight loss is moderate 9 years after a gastric banding operation, and in carefully selected patients this operation is still a good option in the treatment of morbid obesity.