Gastric bypass vs. lap band

One of the first head-to-head comparisons of the two most commonly used surgeries in obese patients finds gastric bypass is more likely to result in successful weight loss, both short and long term.

The study in the annals of surgery finds patients who underwent the bypass procedure also lost more weight and showed more consistent weight loss.

However, experts say the pros and cons of each procedure need to be weighed. They say bypass is riskier and more complicated, but banding requires more intensive follow-up.