Topiramate after Adjustable Gastric Banding in Patients with Binge Eating and Difficulty Losing Weight

Background: About 15% of patients who undergo adjustable gastric banding (AGB) have difficulty losing weight due to, among other factors, the development or maintenance of binge eating disorder. Topiramate is an anticonvulsive drug with proven good results in controlling binge eating episodes. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of topiramate in patients with AGB. Methods: 16 patients with binge eating and inadequate weight loss after AGB were analyzed prospectively for 3 months while receiving topiramate in doses varying from 12.5 to 50 mg per day. Results: There was a mean increase in excess weight loss from 20.4% to 34.1% without the need for band readjustment. 2 patients had intolerance to topiramate and were changed to fluoxetine 40 mg per day. Conclusion: Topiramate may be a useful adjuvant for patients with AGB and binge eating disorder.