Improvement in Obesity-associated Medical Conditions following Vertical Banded Gastroplasty and Gastrointestinal Bypass

Thirty-nine patients undergoing either Silastic® ring vertical banded gastroplasty (SRVG, n = 23) or Roux-en-Y gastrointestinal bypass (RGB, n = 16) over a 1-year period were analyzed retrospectively. Weight loss averaged 40 kg (89 lb). Clinical diabetes mellitus was markedly improved in seven out of nine patients (p = 0.023). Shortness of breath resolved in all 26 patients who had this condition preoperatively (p <0.001). Orthopaedic problems, high blood pressure, and self-assessment of general health and quality of life were also dramatically improved. We conclude that bariatric surgery serves as an effective method to alleviate a multitude of conditions associated with morbid obesity.