[A comparison of gastric bypass and vertical banded gastroplasty for morbid obesity].

We evaluated the effects of gastric bypass (GB) and vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) for morbid obesity. Among 44 cases of obesity, 10 cases were treated with GB and 34 cases were treated with VBG. The obesity index in GB group was 199 +/- 20% preoperatively, and decreased to 136 +/- 15% at six months, 130 +/- 13% at one year, 131 +/- 14% at three years and 136 +/- 19% at five years postoperatively. On the other hand, the preoperative obesity index 212 +/- 26% in VBG group decreased to 149 +/- 17% at six months, 143 +/- 19% at one year and 144 +/- 18% at three years postoperatively. Obesity index was significantly smaller in GB group within 2 years following surgery, however no difference was seen in weight reduction. Obesity-related complications were markedly relieved postoperatively in both groups in accordance with weight reduction. The results demonstrate that GB and VBG are equally effective to reduce excess weight as well as complications of morbid obesity.