Introduction

Members of The Australian Institute of Weight Control have been researching the benefits of gastric banding in the morbidly obese for over a decade. We have studied the harmful effects of obesity, the health benefits of weight loss and the optimal care of the patient undertaking gastric band surgery. We have developed a wealth of knowledge regarding the best techniques for placement of the band and follow up care of patients after surgery.

We have now treated more than 7,000 patients during the last 10 years and have published many articles on the results of our studies into the outcomes of this surgery.

The most important information that comes from these studies to date is that:

• Gastric banding is a safe procedure.
• Gastric banding leads to between 50 to 60% of excess weight loss.
• Weight loss following gastric banding leads to resolution and improvement of most of the diseases caused by obesity.
• Weight loss following gastric banding leads to improvement in quality of life.

Our extensive database enables us to track a patient’s clinical assessment and progress. It also enables us to conduct research on how effective the procedure has been in terms of individual progress as well as being able to examine what the average weight loss is at any given point in time for all patients.

It must be stated that when patients information is used for research that it is "de-identified", which means that no identifying markers will be used and patients will only be identified by their file number and initials.