Laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding (LASGB) for the treatment of morbid obesitiy

Morbid obesity is a serious disease that is responsible for several co-morbid conditions. Increased risks of hypertension, adult onset diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, pulmonary disease (Pickwickian syn- drome), musculo-skeletal disorders, gallbladder disease, deep vein thrombosis, venous stasis ulcers, and increased prevalence of certain types of cancers (uterine, breast, colon carcinoma) have been reported, ( together with severe psychological and social disability.' Nonsurgical treatment options including various combinations oflow-calorie or very-low-calorie diets, behavior modification, exercise, and drug therapy may achieve acceptable transient weight reduction but fail to maintain reduced body weight in most patients.'