Our Summary

This research paper looks at the effectiveness of two types of weight loss surgeries: one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), in treating a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in obese patients. GERD is a chronic disease where stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach.

The researchers analyzed nine different studies, involving a total of 643 patients. Their findings showed that patients who underwent OAGB were more likely to experience GERD compared to those who had RYGB. In fact, the chances of developing new-onset GERD after OAGB was almost six times higher than after RYGB.

In simple terms, the study suggests that the RYGB surgery is a better option than OAGB for obese patients, in terms of reducing the risk and occurrence of GERD.

FAQs

  1. What is the difference in risk of GERD between OAGB and RYGB surgeries?
  2. Which type of gastric bypass is more effective in reducing GERD?
  3. How much higher are the odds for de novo GERD after OAGB compared to after RYGB?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about gastric bypass surgery is to be aware of the potential risk of developing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after the procedure. Patients should be informed about the symptoms of GERD and advised to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle to help prevent or manage the condition. It is important to discuss any concerns or symptoms with your healthcare provider to ensure proper treatment and management.

Suitable For

Patients with obesity who have failed to lose weight through diet and exercise, have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or have a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea are typically recommended gastric bypass surgery. Additionally, patients with a history of severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may also be recommended for gastric bypass surgery, although the choice of procedure (such as one-anastomosis gastric bypass or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) may depend on individual factors and the patient’s medical history.

Timeline

  • Patient consults with healthcare provider about weight loss surgery options
  • Patient undergoes preoperative evaluations and screenings
  • Patient receives counseling on diet and lifestyle changes preoperatively
  • Patient undergoes gastric bypass surgery
  • Patient is monitored closely postoperatively for complications
  • Patient follows strict dietary guidelines and lifestyle changes postoperatively
  • Patient attends regular follow-up appointments with healthcare provider
  • Patient experiences weight loss and improvement in comorbidities postoperatively

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with gastric bypass surgery?

  2. How does one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) compare to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in terms of effectiveness and outcomes for weight loss and GERD?

  3. What is the likelihood of developing or worsening gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after undergoing gastric bypass surgery?

  4. How will GERD be monitored and managed post-surgery?

  5. Are there any dietary or lifestyle changes that should be followed to help prevent or manage GERD after gastric bypass surgery?

  6. What is the long-term prognosis for GERD in patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery?

  7. How often should follow-up appointments be scheduled after surgery to monitor for GERD and other potential complications?

Reference

Authors: Kapellas N, Alkhalil S, Senkal M. Journal: Obes Surg. 2024 Dec;34(12):4563-4572. doi: 10.1007/s11695-024-07571-0. Epub 2024 Nov 5. PMID: 39499394