Initial Experience with Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band at Saad Specialist Hospital, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia

Background: The aim of this study was to give an initial account of the weight loss and complications after applying the Swedish adjustable gastric band (SAGB) at Saad Specialist Hospital, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Methods: From January 2001 to December 2004, 140 consecutive patients (62% female) underwent SAGB. Mean initial body weight was 124.5 ± 23.9 SD kg and BMI was 45 kg/m² ± 6.3 SD. Mean age was 37.9 (17–53). The pars flaccida technique was used for placement of the band. Results: Mortality and conversion rates were 0. We had no intraoperative or short-term postoperative complications. Mean operating time was 122 minutes (range 78–192), and hospital stay was 5 days. Followup ranged from 1 to 30 months. Mean weight loss was 52 kg at 12 months and 75 kg at 30 months. Mean BMI fell to 29 kg/m². Conclusion: With its safety and effectiveness, SAGB has been a good choice for the treatment of morbidly obese patients in our early experience.