Pregnancies after adjustable gastric banding

Background: We evaluated outcome of pregnancies of morbidly obese women who are within the first 2 years after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding . Methods: 215 morbidly obese women of reproductive potential (age 18-45 year s), who had agreed to remain on reliable contraceptives for 2 years after s urgery, were retrospectively analyzed following bariatric surgery. Results: 7 unexpected pregnancies were observed. 5 pregnancies were full-te rm (3 vaginal and 2 cesarean deliveries). The birth weights ranged from 211 0 g to 3860 g, 2 women had first trimester miscarriages. All gastric bands were completely decompressed due to nausea and vomiting, resulting in furth er weight gain. 2 serious band complications were observed (1 intragastric band migration and 1 balloon defect), which required re-operation. Conclusions: Pregnancy in morbidly obese women soon after adjustable gastri c banding may occur unexpectedly during a period of weight loss. Prophylact ic fluid removal from the band eliminates the efficacy of the obesity treat ment. Moreover, this cohort shows an increased incidence of spontaneous abo rtions and band-related complications.