Surgery Comparison
Modality of Weight Loss
Restrictive and Malabsorptive
(stomach and intestines)
Restrictive(stomach only)
Type of Operation Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RNY, RGB) Vertical Gastrectomy with Duodenal Switch(DS) Vertical Gastrectomy (VG) Lap-Bandฎ(LAGB)
Anatomy Small 1 ounce pouch (20-30cc) connected to the small intestine.Food and digestive juices are separated for 3-5 feet. Long vertical pouch measuring about 4-5 oz (120-150cc). The duodenum (first portion of the small intestine) is connected to the last 6 feet of small intestine.Food and digestive juices are separated for more than 12 feet. Long narrow vertical pouch measuring 2-3 oz (60-100cc). Identical to the duodenal switch pouch but smaller. No intestinal bypass performed. An adjustable silicone ring (band) is placed around the top part of the stomach creating a small 1-2 ounce (15-30cc) pouch.
Mechanism • Significantly restricts the volume of food that can be consumed.
• Mild malabsorption
• "Dumping Syndrome" when sugar or fats are eaten
• Moderately Restricts the volume of food that can be consumed.
• Moderate malabsorption of fat causing diarrhea and bloating
• Significantly restricts the volume of food that can be consumed.
• NO malabsorption
• NO dumping
• Moderately restricts the volume and type of foods able to be eaten.
• Only procedure that is adjustable
• Delays emptying of pouch
• Creates sensation of fullness
Weight Loss
United States Average statistical loss at 10 years
• 70% loss of excess weight
• More failures (loss of <50% excess weight) than the DS
• 80% loss of excess weight
• More patients lose too much weight or develop nutritional problems than the RNY
• 60%-70% excess weight loss at 2 years
• Long term results not available at this time.
• 60% excess weight loss.
• Requires the most effort of all procedures to be successful.
Long Term Dietary Modification
(Excessive carbohydrate/high calorie intake will defeat all procedures)
• Patients must consume less than 800 calories per day in the first 12-18
months; 1000-1200 thereafter?3 small high protein meals per day
• Must avoid sugar and fats to prevent "Dumping Syndrome"
• Vitamin deficiency/protein deficiency usually preventable with supplements
• Must consume less than 1000 calories per day in the first 12-24 months, 1200-1500 thereafter
• Consumption of fatty foods causes diarrhea and malodorous gas/stool
• Failure to adhere to vitamin supplement regimen and consumption of high protein meals more likely to result in deficiency than RNY
• Must consume less than 600-800 calories per day for the first 24 months, 1000-1200 thereafter
• No dumping, no diarrhea
• Weight regain may be more likely than in other procedures if dietary modifications not adopted for life
• Must consume less than 800 calories per day for 18-36 months, 1000-1200 thereafter.
• Certain foods can get "stuck" if eaten (rice, bread, dense meats, nuts, popcorn) causing pain and vomiting.
• No drinking with meals
Nutritional Supplements Needed (Lifetime) • Multivitamin
• Vitamin B12
• Calcium
• Iron (menstruating women)
• Multivitamin
• ADEK vitamins
• Calcium
• Iron (menstruating women)
• Multivitamin
• Calcium
• Multivitamin
• Calcium
Potential Problems • Dumping syndrome
• Stricture
• Ulcers
• Bowel obstruction
• Anemia
• Vitamin/mineral deficiencies (Iron, Vitamin B12, folate)
• Leak
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heartburn
• Severe diarrhea
• Kidney stones
• Stricture
• Ulcers (less than RNY)
• Bowel obstruction
• Nutritional/Vitamin deficiencies (Vitamin A,D,E,K)?Loss of too much weight requiring reoperation
• Leak
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heartburn
• Inadequate weight loss
• Weight regain
• Additional procedure may be needed to obtain adequate weight loss
• Leak
• Slow weight loss
• Slippage
• Erosion
• Infection
• Port problems
• Device malfunction
Hospital Stay 2-3 days 3-4 days 1-2 days Overnight (<1 day)
Time off Work 2-3 weeks 2-3 weeks 1-2 weeks 1 week
Operating Time 2 hours 3 hours 1.5 hours 1 hour