Effect of Rapid Body Weight Loss on Balance and Functional Mobility in Obese Individuals after Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding Operation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of rapid weight loss on static balance and functional mobility among excessively obese patients undergoing Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) surgery. Subjects (8 females; BMI >35 kg/m2) underwent baseline measurements before LAGB surgery, followed by subsequent evaluations at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks during the follow-up appointments. During each evaluation, various assessments were conducted, including measurements of anthropometry such as body weight, height, hip and waist circumference, as well as functional tests for static balance, 10-meter walk, and timed get-up-and-go. There were statistically significant changes in weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, abdominal circumference, waist-hip ratio, static sway eyes open, timed up-and-go, 10-meter walk, and steps in 10-meter walk test values (p<0.001) between the baseline and the postoperative measurements. However static sway values under eyes closed condition were not statistically significant. In the 24-week follow-up, the weight loss, reduction in abdominal circumference, increase in walking speed against time and step count, and recovery in functional movements were shown to persist. Also, reduction in static balance surface oscillation confirmed the improvement of balance control.