Obesity is one of the most serious health problem in the world. It has reached the size of global epidemic and is currently the most rapidly growing problem in medical, epidemiological, social and economic aspects (1). The most important reason for rapid development of obesity epidemic is automatization of a lifestyle developed countries (1-3). Surprisingly, the number of obese people is increasing rapidly despite the growing awareness of health and easier access to healthy food, diets, nutritionists and fitness instructors promoting healthy and active lifestyle (2, 3).

According to WHO, obesity is defined as a condition of excessive fat accumulation in the form of adipose tissue, that adversely affects health (2). The development of obesity occurs as a result of excessive energy consumption in relation to its demand (4).

The most important causes include: environmental factors, genetic predisposition, endocrine disorders and lifestyle. Aforementioned factors may be genetically determined.

Other causes of obesity are connected with physical activity, type of job, exposure to stress, food availability, the influence of culture, traditions and beliefs, the use of stimulants and drugs, and in addition social factors such as low social status (5).

It is assumed that obese patients reveal damage of physiological mechanisms suppressing appetite. The nutrition is regulated by the central nervous system. Satiety and hunger centers are located in the hypothalamus, limbic system, reticular formation, amygdala and cortex. Functional or organic disorders in these centers may cause changes in dietary habits and lead to obesity (2).

The increase of obesity in the world is connected with the problem of co-morbidities (6, 7). The most important include: type 2 diabetes, arterial hypertension, ischemic heart disease, increased risk of stroke, as well as osteoarthritis and sleep apnea syndrome (7). Obesity adversely influence the quality of life. The development of many chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is observed, such as gastro-esophageal reflux and its complications (Barret’s esophagus, esophageal cancer), polyps and colorectal cancer and liver disease (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatic cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma) (8, 9). Both, in women and men, obesity is strictly connected with a high percentage of deaths caused by tumors of the esophagus, colon, anus, gallbladder, pancreas, kidney. It increases the risk of death due to stomach and prostate cancer in men and the breast (after menopause), uterus, cervix and ovary cancer in women. The relation of obesity with obstetric failure and depression has also been proved (10). Obesity increases risk of death and a more severe course of chronic diseases – asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, impairs healing process, brings more complications and infections (11, 12). The most serious metabolic complication of morbid obesity is metabolic syndrome.

Bariatric-metabolic surgery is currently the most effective treatment of morbid obesity and leads to the amelioration or resolution of co-morbidities that is achieved by glucose, insulin and lipid metabolism improvement (13). Surgical treatment of obesity should be considered in adult patients with a body mass index (BMI) above 40 or 35 kg/m² with co-morbidities, where surgically induced weight loss would lead to their improvement or total recovery. Available methods of surgical treatment include sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding and gastric bypass.

The aim of the study was to assess the concentration of total cholesterol and its fractions HDL and LDL, triacylglycerols, glucose, insulin and ghrelin in plasma of patients after laparoscopic gastric banding in 6 months follow-up. The impact of LAGB on BMI and Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance Index (HOMA-IR) was analyzed. The observation of amelioration or resolution of coexisting diseases was also performed.

The study involved 80 patients after gastric banding performed in the 1st Department of General and Endocrinological Surgery Medical University in Bialystok in 2008-2014 due to morbid obesity.

Patients were qualified for the surgery based on BMI ≥ 40 or ≥ 35 kg/m² with at least one co-morbidity. Every patient underwent a minimum 6 months attempt of conservative treatment, which was ineffective or unsatisfactory. Patients were prepared for the surgery at the Surgical Outpatient Clinic. Basic laboratory tests were performed – complete blood count, electrolyte and coagulation tests, glucose concentration, insulin concentration, alanine and aspartate aminotransferase concentration, lipidogram, including total cholesterol, its HDL and LDL fractions, triacylglycerols. Additional specialist examinations and consultations were conducted in case of co-morbidities. Data regarding diet and eating habits were gathered in preoperative syndrome.

The study group consisted of 28 (35%) men and 52 (65%) women. The average age of patients was 40 for women and 36 for men. The average body weight was 125 ± 12.3 kg, and the average BMI before the surgery was 44.12 ± 3.21 kg/m² (tab. 1).

In the study group, 15 patients (18.75%) have been treated for type 2 diabetes (oral hypoglycemic agents as well as insulin therapy), 25 patients (31.25%) were treated for hypertension and 4 (5%) suffered from sleep apnea syndrome. Other recorded co-morbidities in study group were osteoarthritis, cholelithiasis, reflux disease and varicose veins. Two patients were treated for infertility.

All procedures have been performed using the laparoscopic method. Patients underwent Swedish adjustable gastrin banding (SAGB). The procedures have been performed using the pars flaccida technique, and four times – perigastric technique. After introducing the Veress needle, a 15-18 mm Hg CO₂ peritoneal reflux has been produced. The first trocar on the video track (10 mm) has been introduced above the navel, at a distance of approximately 10 cm between the navel and the left rib arch. The second trocar (10 mm), on the retractor, has been inserted in the median line of the body below xiphoid process of the sternum. Another trocar (5 mm), through which the dissector, coagulation or harmonic knife has been inserted, was placed below the left rib arch in the mid-clavicular line. The incision has been extended in the further stage of the operation to introduce a silicone band into the peritoneal cavity and to implant the port into the subcutaneous tissue. The fourth trocar, used to apply a grasper or goldfinger, has been introduced in the mid-clavicular line under the right rib arch. In some cases, trocar (10 mm) has also been used, inserted in the anterior axillary line at the level of the first trocar for Babcock application. After introducing the trocars to the peritoneal cavity, operating table has been lowered, and the patient has been placed in a semi-high position (semi-Fowler). This position ensures relaxation of the abdominal muscles as well as prevents aspiration of the content to the airways.

The procedure begun with a thorough assessment of the abdominal organs. Using the separator, the back wall of the stomach has been reached along with the angle of His, creating a tube through which a silicone ring has been introduced using a goldfinger and it has been closed on the stomach in the subpylorus area, creating a tank with a volume of approximately 25-40 ml. The band has been adjusted to the front wall of the stomach with two stitches. The procedure terminated by combining the ring with a drain with regulatory port located above the left rib arch in the subcutaneous tissue.

Patients were usually hospitalized for 1 day. They were dismissed with recommendation of 2-week liquid and semi-liquid diet, low-calorie diet, as well as prophylactic antibiotic therapy. In the postoperative period, they received low-molecular-weight heparin and proton pump inhibitors. Dietary recommendations were set by the surgical team in consultation with cooperating dietitians.

Patients underwent 1-month follow-up at the Outpatient Clinic. The first adjustment of the band was usually performed 6-8 weeks after the surgery, and the next at intervals of about 2 months, depending on the rate of weight loss or other. After each adjustment of the band, an attempt to ingest water was made.

The concentrations of ghrelin, insulin, glucose, total cholesterol and its HDL and LDL fractions, triacylglycerols, alanine and aspartate aminotransferase have been measured preoperatively, 7 days, 1, 3 and 6 months after the surgery. Blood samples have been collected on a clot and centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 10 minutes. Serum has been frozen to the temperature of liquid nitrogen and stored at -80°C. Measurements of particular parameters have been conducted using routine methods.

Eighty obese patients after LAGB have been examined. The average pre-operative body weight was 125 ± 12.3 kg, and preoperative BMI was 44.12 ± 3.21 kg/m².

BMI reduction was noticeable 7 days after the operation – 40.29 ± 3.33 kg/m². In subsequent measurements, 1, 3 and 6 months after the surgery, a decrease in the mean BMI has also been observed and it was successively 38.15 ± 3.49, 34.59 ± 4.12 and 30.36 ± 5.25 kg/m². Interestingly, with the decrease in the average BMI value, the deviation from the average value increased each time, from 3.33 kg/m² 7 days after the surgery to 5.25 kg/m² after 6 months (tab. 2, fig. 1).