[Endoscopic and laparoscopic treatments for morbid obesity--endoscopic intragastric balloon placement and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding].

We have introduced intragastric balloon placement (IGB) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) into Japan since 2004. We performed IGB in 23 morbidly obese patients with 40 +/- 9 kg/m2 (BMI). When the balloon were removed after 5 months, the averaged weight loss and percent excess weight loss (%EWL) were 12 kg and 27%, respectively. Twenty-seven patients with 45 +/- 9 kg/m2 underwent LAGB in our institute, and after 12 and 24 months, the average weight loss were 25 kg and 35 kg, and %EWL were 40% and 54%. There was no serious complication after both the treatments. IGB and LAGB are safe and effective treatments for Japanease patients with morbid obesity.