>50% of morbidly obese individuals suffer from GERD. We did not find changes in esophageal function of morbidly obese patients to explain their gastroesophageal reflux preoperatively and postoperatively. EM and IEE studies are not indicated as standard preoperative tests, except in patients with significant symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. RYGBP is significantly better than VBG as an anti-reflux procedure, and had better weight loss.

More than 50% of VBGs failed after 2-year follow-up. Patients converted to RYGBP maintained mean EWL 73% at 5 years. The only significant nutritional deficiencies were iron and vitamin B(12), in patients converted to RYGBP.

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