Long-term Comparative Evaluation of Weight Loss and Complications of Banded and Non-banded Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

The use of a nonadjustable silicone band around the gastric pouch of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) to reduce the recurrence of obesity is still being debated in the literature. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate banded and non-banded RYGB regarding % total weight loss (%TWL) and complications up to 10 years postoperatively and regarding the removal rate of the silicone band.

A retrospective study of the medical records of all patients submitted to banded and non-banded RYGB between 2000 and 2020 was conducted. Clinical data (age, gender, weight, body mass index—BMI, comorbidities, %TWL, and the prevalence of vomiting) and laboratory data (hemoglobin, serum iron, albumin, and vitamin B12) were obtained preoperatively and at 6 months, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 10 years for both groups and at 12, 15, and 20 years after banded RYGB.

In total, 858 patients underwent RYGB: 409 underwent banded RYGB and 449 underwent non-banded RYGB. In the preoperative period, banded RYGB patients were heavier and had higher rates of hypertension and dyslipidemia. The %TWL was higher in the banded RYGB group up to 7 years. The prevalence of vomiting is much higher in this group, which also had lower laboratory test values. Of the banded RYGB patients, 9.53% had to have the silicone ring removed after presenting complications.

Banded RYGB promotes significantly higher rates of TWL at the expense of a higher frequency of food intolerance and vomiting.