By George Ochoa
A large, statewide study of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) showed that the procedure was a valuable treatment option for morbid obesity, as it demonstrated better weight loss results than laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), and lower complication rates than laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Noting that some payors have been reluctant to cover SG, the study, and an accompanying editorial, recommend such coverage on the basis of the new data.