A Preliminary Comparison of the Psychological Impact of Laparoscopic Gastric Banding and Gastric Bypass Surgery for Morbid Obesity

Background: Laparoscopic gastric banding has introduced a new element into weight reduction surgery. The authors compared subjects who had undergone a laparoscopic gastric banding (lap-band) procedure with those who had undergone a gastric bypass operation on relevant psychological and behavioral parameters. Methods: A self-report questionnaire developed by the researchers was used. It included questions about aspects of food and eating as well as attitudinal items relating to the outcome of the surgery. Results: There were significant differences between the lap-band group and the gastric bypass group in their distance from their desired weight, their eating, and their attitudes. Conclusion: 9 months after surgery, gastric bypass surgery appears to be the superior procedure on several parameters. The surgery induction process may be critical. Evaluation at later stages is vital.