Long-term results of a randomized trial comparing banded versus standard laparoscopic Roux-en–Y gastric bypass

Abstract Background Banded Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was designed to avoid or diminish weight regain in the long term. In 2008, we published the initial results of a pilot study design to comparatively evaluate surgical morbidity, mortality, and maximum weight loss in patients undergoing banded and unbanded laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). The present study analyzes the 5-year results. Methods A randomized, controlled trial was carried out in 60 morbidly obese patients who underwent LRYGB. Patients were divided in 2 groups. Half of the patients underwent the banded version of the LRYGB, and half underwent the unbanded version. The 5-year excess weight loss (EWL) and loss of body mass index (BMI) were comparatively analyzed. Results There were 58 females and 2 males with a mean preoperative BMI of 47±4.9 kg/m2 . A total of 21 patients with banded LRYGB and 22 with unbanded LRYGB completed 5-year follow-up. One patient died 3 years after surgery from metastatic melanoma. EWL at 5 years was 61.6%±19.6% versus 59.8%±15.9% ( P = ns), and loss of BMI was 32.9%±5.2% versus 32.8%±4.3% ( P = ns), respectively, for the banded and unbanded group. Conclusions In this small study, there were no statistical differences in the EWL and the BMI lost at 5 years between the group of patients who underwent banded and unbanded LRYGB.