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Digital News Report – Two studies have found that gastric bypass surgery has led to better outcomes for patients with diabetes and those suffering from obesity when compared to the Lap Band procedure.
The first study from researchers at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health found that the gastric bypass surgery procedure (GBP) provides better “long-term” results compared to the leas invasive sleeve gastrectomy and “lap-band” surgery. The procedure leads to greater weight loss with fewer complications from Type 2 diabetes.
Around 90% of the patients lost 40 pounds or more. Compare that to 30% with the lap band. Quality of life was also better. “Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus are currently two of the most common chronic, debilitating diseases in Western countries,” the Wisconsin researchers concluded.
Researchers in Taiwan found that diabetes was controlled better with the gastric bypass surgery. Wei-Jei Lee, of the Min-Sheng General Hospital, Taiwan conducted a double blind randomized study between Sep. 2007 and June 2008.
While both procedures provide weight loss, those with the gastric bypass procedure lost more weight after three months. This study appeared in the February issue of Archives of Surgery.
By Jason Chang
Above image: Gastric Banding by James P Gray