Maximal weight loss after banded and unbanded laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) leads to significant weight loss and correction of co-morbidities in most patients. Banded LRYGB was designed to enhance weight loss and avoid weight regain. Methods: A randomized controlled pilot trial was designed to comparatively analyze the results; and complications of banded (6.5 cm) and unbanded LRYGB. The present study was an interim analysis foucsed on morbidity, mortality, and maximal weight loss. Results: The 60 patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 underwent unbanded LRYGB (n = 30) and group 2 underwent banded LRYGB (n = 30). No differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of age, gender, body mass index, or operative time. No significant differences were found in the percentage of excess weight loss and body mass index at 6, 12, and 24 months between the 2 groups. The frequency of complications was similar in both groups; 1 patient required band removal because of stenosis at the level of the mesh. Conclusion: The weight loss pattern in both groups was similar at 1 and 2 years postoperatively. Proper assessment of weight maintenance and late weight regain will require longer follow-up. (Surg Obes Relat Dis 2008;4:507-511.) (C) 2008 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. All rights reserved.