Background: Severely obese women have higher obstetric risks and poorer neonatal outcomes. Weight loss reduces obstetric risk.
The introduction of a laparoscopically-placed adjustable gastric band, a safe and effective method of weight loss, has given
us the ability and responsibility to adjust the band in relation to pregnancy. Objective: Our aim was to devise a safe management
plan to achieve healthy maternal weight gain (Institute of Medicine 1990) during pregnancy. Methods: In a cohort group of
650 patients to have a Lap-Band® placement for severe obesity, we have reviewed the management of the band and pregnancy outcomes
of all women (n=20) to complete a pregnancy (n=22) with a band in-situ. Results: All 22 pregnancies were singleton, with no
primary caesarean sections (3 for recurring indications). The mean maternal weight gain was 8.3 kg compared with 15.2 kg for
the 15 previous pregnancies of women in this group (p<0.05). There was no difference in birth weights. Obstetric complications
were minimal, and there were no premature or low birth weight infants. 11 of 15 subjects with active management of the band
achieved a maternal weight gain within the advised range compared with only 2 of 7 prior to this. Conclusion:The ability to
adjust gastric restriction allows optimal control of maternal weight change in pregnancy and should help avoid the risks of
excessive weight change.
MORBID OBESITY - GASTRIC BANDING - LAPAROSCOPY - PREGNANCY - OBSTETRIC MANAGEMENT