A new study showed fewer complications and lower costs over the long term for diabetics undergoing gastric banding than those undergoing gastric bypass surgery, according to a report by WebMD.
Both procedures reduced healthcare costs and complications, measured in extra visits, for people with type 2 diabetes in the months immediately after surgery. Four years later, however, healthcare costs and complications increased for patients who had bypass surgery but continued to decline for those who received banding.
Allergan, maker of the Lap-Band laparoscopic gastric banding device, funded the study, which was presented at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association.
Read the WebMD report on gastric banding.
Related Articles on Weight Loss Surgery:
Discharge One Day After Gastric Bypass Linked to Higher Mortality
Some Providers Widen BMI Limits for Gastric Banding After FDA Decision
Study: Gastric Bypass Can Help Fight Cancer, Diabetes