Study Looks at Factors Influencing Choice of Surgery

When deciding to deal with obesity patients have a few choices including the type of bariatric surgery to pursue. Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding, Dr. George Fielding and others undertook a study to determine what patients consider when choosing a surgery.

Overview of the Study

About 500 patients, 27% in the U.S. and 73% Australian were studied to determine three things. The referral method, choice in surgery, and whether or not these varied geographically.

The study that Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding researched for is the first of its kind. It was conducted to see what makes patients choose a particular weight loss surgery. These surgeries are:

• Laparo-scopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB)
• Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
• Duodenal switch (BPD/DS)

The results of the study showed that most patients, in the U.S. and Australia, choose LAGB (Laparo-scopic adjustable gastric banding). Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding and the team members discovered that patients choose LAGB as their surgery because they prefer the least invasive surgery (U.S. patients, 46%) and because it is safe (Australian patients, 45%).

Of note was the finding that the second most common choice differed by country. Patients in the United States choose the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass second, citing the lack of a foreign object being placed into the body. Australians choose the Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS) second for its long-term results.

Influences

During the study the patients shared similar reasons for making their choices. Many named a desire for a less invasive procedure and the safety of the procedure was also a strong influence. Patients also prefer LAGB because it is reversible and adjustable.

The second choice varied based on where patients live.

Findings

There were three findings. Along with the most popular choice being LAGN and the difference in second choice between Americans and Australians, Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding and the other researchers discovered a difference in referral methods.

Americans do more research into bariatric surgery online. Both Americans and Australians trust referrals from other patients like friends and family.

If you are considering bariatric surgery, talk to your doctor and set up a consultation or informational session with a bariatric surgeon like Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding at NYU Langone or your local bariatric surgery center.