Gastric Bypass Surgery Has Positive Outcomes Study

According to the reports published by, Science Daily (Feb. 22, 2011) gastric bypass surgery can yield better long-term results, greater weight loss, improved quality of life and resolution of diabetes.

Obesity and diabetes are the two most common chronic diseases in the Western countries presently. The lap-bands or laparoscopic adjustable gastric bands were introduced as an alternative to the gastric bypass in 2001. Another weight-loss procedure used is the sleeve gastrectomy where large portions of stomach are surgically removed.

The researchers examined 100 morbidly obese individuals with BMI or body mass index of greater than 40. These patients had undergone lap-band surgery. A similar group of 100 morbidly obese patients were also examined. This group of patients had gastric bypass surgery. The research was carried out to evaluate the different outcomes of the bariatric surgeries. The weight loss outcome was greater for the patients who had undergone gastric bypass with average weight loss being 64%. The average weight loss for lap-band patients was 36%. Each group consisted of 34 type 2 diabetes patients. Improvement of diabetes (type 2) was better after the gastric bypass (76%). In lap-band patients the resolution of type 2 diabetes was 50%. By the end of one year, 75% patients had discontinued insulin usage after gastric bypass whereas 17% had the same effect in the lap-band group.

The authors feel that more research is needed in this field. However, laparoscopic gastric bypass can be recommended for obese and morbidly obese people.

Read more:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110221163054.htm