Gastric bypass and banding safe, but both fraught with complications.

Anyone more than 100 pounds overweight or with a BMI greater than 40 is considered morbidly obese. Gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding are the two most commonly performed procedures for the treatment of morbid obesity. A recent randomized trial demonstrated that gastric bypass results in greater weight loss than gastric banding over a four year period (68% vs. 45% of excess weight). Researchers reported that there were more complications with bypass than with banding, as well. Cost was significantly higher for bypass, also.

PositiveTip: Bariatric surgery has many complications and risks, and should not be considered unless there are no other alternatives.