Successful management of gastrojejunal strictures after gastric bypass: is timing important?

Background: Endoscopic balloon dilation is an effective treatment of gastrojejunal (GJ) strictures after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), although its success might depend on the point at which they occur postoperatively. We hypothesized that "late" strictures (≥90 d after RYGB) might be less amenable to balloon dilations than "early" strictures occurring within 90 days postoperatively.

Methods: A review of a prospectively maintained database at a bariatric center was conducted to identify all patients who underwent upper endoscopy (UE) for investigation of gastrointestinal symptoms after RYGB.

Pre-Lap-Band group education in Medicaid population: does it really make a difference?

Background: The effect of group education classes before a Lap-Band procedure has not been well defined. We hypothesized that in a Medicaid population, the completion of a standardized 12-week multidisciplinary preoperative program (SMPP) would significantly improve the preoperative and early postoperative weight loss. All procedures were performed at a University-affiliated community hospital from 2006 to 2007.