Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are the most common bariatric operations performed worldwide. Quality of life (QoL) is a crucial outcome metric. An electronic systematic search using PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science of studies comparing QoL after LSG and LRYGB was performed. QoL after both LSG and LRYGB considerably improves regardless the type of surgery. The QoL has a slight downward trend from the second to the fifth year postoperatively, but it remains higher than the baseline. LSG patients are more likely to suffer from gastroesophageal symptoms (GES). GES represent the only significant difference between the two procedures. A routine screening with gastroscopy and 24 h pH metry to help tailor the most appropriate surgical approach is advised.
Keywords: Bariatric surgery; Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass; Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy; Quality of life.