Recent study has shown that the laparoscopic gastric bypass (a very common stomach bypass procedure) despite its initial difficult setup is nevertheless the better weight loss method with very obese people compared to people who use the other procedure whereby a plastic band is placed around the stomach in order to shrink its size. The stomach bypass operation has also been shown to be better for the cure of diseases associated with obesity like high blood pressure or diabetes.

A recent article in the journal called the Archives of Surgery noted that while a number of different trials have looked into the pros and cons of both the weight loss methods this particular study was the first one to specifically look at patients who had a BMI of more than 50 known as super morbid obesity. 

The research is important as it will allow patients to be more selective with the method of weight loss they use and whether they want to use surgery and the placing of the lap band on the stomach. In fact patients in many clinics are given a choice of what surgery they would like and so this information would able them to choose more effectively and safely.

The research documented over 315 weight loss procedures and 106 of the were classified as having a BMI of over 50. Of these patients 60 had stomach banding and 46 has the stomach bypass procedure. It was seen that stomach bypasses took more time to perform in the operating theatre compared to the stomach banding and that patients who had the stomach bypass had to remain in hospital a day or 2 more. The statistics also showed that there were negligible differences in the number of early complications after the procedures. 

However after a month the obese patients who were treated with the stomach bypass reported fewer complications compared to those who were treated with the banding and they also reported more weight loss.

The researchers said that they thought that the band required more willpower on behalf of the patients to be effective as it was easier to get food through the band area such as high calorie liquids. It was also observed that complications could occur from not eating correctly, trying to eat too much and eating too quickly.

Overall the results seem to show that the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass suggery was better than the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding when used with BMI +50 patients. However the researchers did say that they would still use the gastric band for those people who are unable to have gastric bypass surgery due to liver disease other conditions that made the gastric surgery unsuitable.