Background: Comparing primary vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) and distal gastric bypass (DGBP) patients might assist decision-making based on patient profiles and desired outcomes. Methods: A prospective study of 81 vertical banded gastroplasty and 60 distal gastric bypass patients. Technical aspects, complications, weight loss, post-op compliance and satisfaction are reported. Length of follow-up is 48 months (VBG) and 36 (DGBP). Lost-to-follow-up 41% (VBG) and 22% (DGBP). Ten per cent VBGs were revised, with 1% takedown. Three per cent DGBPs were converted to proximal GBPs. Demographics are comparable. Results: Operative time was 40 min VBG and 88 DOER; blood loss 187 cc vs 335 cc; and hospital stay 3 versus 4 days. Exclusive VBG complications include: 1% staple-line leak, 4% intra-abdominal abscess, 1% respiratory failure, 5% pneumonia, 1% intra-abdominal bleed, 1% small bowel obstruction, 2% infected incision, 2% fistula, 2% stenotic or obstructed stoma, and 1% bezoar. Exclusive DGBP complications include: 2% GI bleed, 12% marginal ulcer, 5% reflux esophagitis, 13% hypocalcemia, 23% hypovitaminosis A and D (12% requiring B-12 therapy). Shared complications include hypoproteinemia 6% VBG versus 40% DGBP; excess vomiting (>6 months post-op) 7% versus 10%, excess diarrhea 2% versus 20%, dehydration 1% versus 8%, re-hospitalization 4% versus 15% (hyperalimentation), post-op cholecystectomy 1% versus 5%, weight regain 48% versus 1%. VBG experienced an average of 64% excess weight lost at 36 months versus DGBP 89% excess weight lost. VBG follow-up compliance is generally poor but good for DGBP. Compliance with diet and supplements is equivalent (50%). Satisfaction is 85% and 93% respectively. Conclusion: The DGBP provides better long-term weight loss, but nutritional deficiencies occur more often and require close follow-up. The surgery is more complex, but as a primary procedure there are few major complications.
