The Effects of Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band Procedure on the Sexual Functioning

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the effects of bariatric surgery on the sexual functions in both genders by comparing Female Sexual Function Indexes (FSFI) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores with the physical, hormonal and biochemical findings after the Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (LAGB) procedure of morbidly obese male and female patients. Methods: Obese patients between 18 and 65 years of age who underwent bariatric surgery and continued their followup visits were included in the study. At the postoperative 6th month, FSFI and IIEF surveys were performed to the LAGB patients. Biochemical and hormonal tests were evaluated. Results: At the postoperative period, a significant decrease was detected in the BMI levels of both male and female groups in comparison to the preoperative period (p<0.01). There was no significant difference in the FSFI, IIEF, IIEF-5 and IIEF-6 scores (p>0.05); however, there was a quantitative increase at the score levels. A negative correlation was detected between BMI and FSFI, IIEF, IIEF-5 and IIEF-6 scores. Conclusion: Although there was no significant difference in the sexual functions of the patients who underwent LAGB operation in the early period, the long-term follow-up of the patients was become more of an issue.