Letter
to the Editor
Primary Care October 2003
To the Editor:
I read with great interest the article, "Treatment of Obesity in
the Female Patient: The Role of Laparoscopic Gastric Banding," in
the August 2003 edition of The Female Patient (Vol 28, No
8, pp 30-34). Camelia A. Davtyan, MD and David G. Davtyan, MD provide
an overview of the benefits of this surgical procedure and other
therapeutic measures for the treatment of obesity. Their special
emphasis on laparoscopic gastric banding (LGB) as compared to other
surgical modalities is presented clearly.
One or two additional points should be made on this topic. First,
the article may be interpreted to separate nonsurgical and surgical
therapies in the obesity treatment process. I would suggest that
surgery be considered "a third-line resort" to be added to "life-style
changes and medications," and not be considered an alternative to
them.
Second, dietary compliance and exercise are the cornerstone of any
successful sustained weight loss therapy, even when surgery is used.1 Other studies have shown that the use of medications and/or psychological
support may be necessary to maintain the weight loss results accomplished
by surgery.2
Laparoscopic gastric banding will continue to be an important treatment
in the management of obesity. It should be viewed as one of the best
surgical options to be used along with "life-style changes," and
not viewed as an alternative stand-alone therapy.
Eddie R. Cheeks, MD
Clinical Instructor
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, Ga
References
- Zoss I, Piec G, Horber
FF. Impact of orlistat therapy on weight reduction in morbidly
obese patients after implantation of the Swedish adjustable
gastric band. Obes Surg. 2002;12(1):113-117.
- Nicolai A, Ippoliti C,
Petrelli MD. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: essential
role of psychological support. Obes Surg. 2002;12(6):857-863.
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