
Compare Gastric Bypass Surgery to LAP-BAND System
Many patients who see us in consultation are candidates for either Gastric Bypass or the LAP-BAND® surgery. In such cases, should the patient undergo gastric bypass or LAP-BAND® surgery?
How is this decision made?
Some patients find it difficult to decide which procedure is right for them. This can be a difficult decision and we encourage you to take your time and do your research. Other things that may help you make your decision include: attending support group meetings, talking with past patients, meeting with the dietitian or surgeon and discussing your concerns.
There will be times when you may not have a choice:
*Certain insurance companies will only pay for certain procedures, or
*Certain medical conditions are contra-indicated with certain procedures
With consideration to the above listed suggestions and issues, if you still are having difficulty deciding, consider the following:
- If you live far away from the surgeon, will it be difficult to have adjustments?
- Do you have a “sweet tooth?” You will have less success with the LAP-BAND®
- Are you a heavy snacker? You may have less success with the LAP-BAND®
- Are you really scared of the Gastric Bypass? The LAP-BAND® may be a better choice.
The LAP-BAND® requires tremendous commitment and self control. If you chose to eat unhealthy, high fat and high sugar foods, it will be very difficult to lose weight. To help patients make their own best decision about which procedure they should undergo, we offer this table:
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass | LAP-BAND® |
Gold standard, time tested | Promising new technology |
Complex operation, multiple areas of abdomen involved | Simpler operation, gives lower risk around surgery (less chance of death or prolonged hospitalization) |
Rapid weight loss over 3-6 months, settling at final weight 10-16 months after surgery | Slow and steady weight loss, settling at final weight around 2 years after surgery |
Deficiency in mineral absorption, requiring long-term supplements | Possible deficiencies due to decreased intake, long-term supplements also recommended |
Dumping syndrome (intolerance to sugars and some carbohydrates) | No Dumping syndrome |
Not reversible | Sort of reversible |
No significant hardware in body | Long term (non-reactive) plastic material in body |
The LAP-BAND® must be adjusted for best success |