Which type of bariatric surgery is no longer recommended due to a high failure rate?

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB), commonly referred to as the lap band, is no longer recommended as a first-line option for bariatric surgery primarily due to its higher failure rate in achieving substantial and sustained weight loss compared to other surgical methods.

Research has shown that while the lap band initially provides a method for weight reduction by restricting food intake, many patients experience insufficient weight loss or regain weight after the procedure. This can be attributed to various factors, including complications related to the band itself, such as slippage or erosion, as well as patients' adaptation to the eating mechanisms. Moreover, the band requires ongoing follow-up, adjustments, and can lead to a higher incidence of gastrointestinal issues, which may further complicate its effectiveness.

In contrast, other bariatric procedures, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, have demonstrated more favorable long-term outcomes in terms of weight loss and resolution of comorbidities like type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Therefore, the shift away from the lap band reflects a growing consensus in the medical community regarding optimal approaches to bariatric surgery that prioritize both efficacy and patient safety.