Endoscopic and laparoscopic treatments for morbid obesity--endoscopic intragastric balloon placement and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding

We have introduced intragastric balloon placement (IGB) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) into Japan since 2004. We performed IGB in 23 morbidly obese patients with 40 +/- 9 kg/m2 (BMI). When the balloon were removed after 5 months, the averaged weight loss and percent excess weight loss (%EWL) were 12 kg and 27%, respectively. Twenty-seven patients with 45 +/- 9 kg/m2 underwent LAGB in our institute, and after 12 and 24 months, the average weight loss were 25 kg and 35 kg, and %EWL were 40% and 54%. There was no serious complication after both the treatments. IGB and LAGB are safe and effective treatments for Japanease patients with morbid obesity.