VERTICAL BANDED GASTROPLASTY VS GASTRIC BYPASS - 10 YEARS FOLLOW-UP

In 1982, a prospective study to evaluate and compare the operations for treatment of morbid obesity, vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) and gastric bypass (GBP), was carried out at the Center for Surgical Treatment of Obesity in Los Angeles. The VBG was performed as described by Dr Mason with a 5.0 cm circumference Marlex band. The GBP was the horizontal GBP with less-than-or-equal-to 50 cc pouch as described by Mason and modified by Printen and Griffen. One hundred patients had the VBG and 100 had the GBP. At 10 years follow-up, only 43 of the VBG patients and 46 of the GBP patients can be found. The groups are compared as to the perioperative complications, late complications and weight loss. VBG compared favorably with GBP for control of morbid obesity. GBP yields better weight loss and maintenance at all times of follow-up. Both procedures are equal in terms of morbidity and mortality.