Evaluation of health status and quality of life after bariatric surgery: Comparison of standard Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, vertical banded gastroplasty and laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding

Background: This study is a trial to compare the effects and outcomes of th ree different bariatric procedures performed in two centers. Standard Rouxe n-Y gastric bypass was performed by Dr. Norman Samuels in Fort Lauderdale ( Florida); vertical banded gastroplasty and laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding were done in Hallein (Salzburg) by Dr. Emanuel Hell and Dr . Karl Miller. Methods: In a prospective comparative study 30 matched patients from each g roup were followed to assess post-operative improvement in health status an d quality of life, to compare the three different techniques. The Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) as described by Oria and Moo rehead has been used for evaluation. Results: The observation time was at least 3 years (3 to 8 years) in each i ndividual case. A significant increase in quality of life and health status in 75% of the surgically-treated patients was observed when compared with a non-operated control group of morbidly obese patients, Conclusions: By utilizing BAROS it has been found possible to compare the r esults of different procedures done by different surgeons with different te chniques, utilizing patients from different cultures and with different lan guages. The results of this comparative study favor the standard gastric by pass for the treatment of morbid obesity. This operation is superior to pur ely gastric restrictive procedures in weight loss and improvement of qualit y of life.