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Introduction:
Variability of percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) in LAGB patients can be influenced by many preoperative factors, such as gender, race/ethnicity, and age. We hypothesize that race/ethnicity plays an important predictor in the post-operative weight loss.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis of 428 patients using electronic medical record was performed to assess differential %EWL for patients across a period of three years post-band implantation, with an average of 1.53 years for all groups and no significant differences between ethnic groups. Average initial BMI is 42 ± 5. ANOVA was used to analyze data and P<0.05 considered significant.
Results:
Percent excess weight loss (EWL) are reported for the following racial groups. Asians lost the most, followed by Caucasians, the Hispanics and finally African Americans. The Caucasian group lost 66.33% ± 2.4% %EWL (N=209); the Asian group lost 88.6% ± 7.7 %EWL (N=23); the Hispanic group (50.2% ± 2.3%; P=1.5E-05, N=123), and African American group lost 44.4% ± 3.3%; P=9.96E-06, (N=73). Furthermore, the average number of adjustments was 6 for the Caucasian group, 5 for the Asian group, and 4 for the Hispanic and African American groups.
Conclusion:
Our findings suggest that weight loss outcome for LAGB may be related to a patient’s race/ethnicity. Patients in the Caucasian group have significantly more adjustments than any other group. Excess weight loss is correlated with race and number of adjustments as well as willingness to diet and exercise. Cultural differences in types of food and exercise is also important in weight loss outcome.