Weight loss surgery comparison

Lap Band Description

The LapBand is an adjustable gastric band that narrows the opening of the top of the stomach. Some people describe it as creating an “hourglass effect.” Just like an hourglass is narrow in the middle and that slows the sand going through it, the gastric band narrows the top of the stomach slowing down the food going through. A person feels full faster with less food, and feels less hunger.


Properties

• Unlike other procedures there is no stapling or cutting of the stomach or intestines.
• Since everything you eat is absorbed there is a low risk or malnutrition or vitamin deficiencies.
• It is adjustable for each individual.

Risks

• Common risks as seen with all abdominal surgery.
• Nausea and vomiting if the Band is too tight. This would require fluid removal from the Band.
• Band slippage possibly requiring revisional surgery.
• Requires regular follow up visits for best outcomes.

Gastric Bypass Description

The gastric bypass is a surgery that involves stapling off most of the stomach to create a small stomach pouch and rerouting the intestines to change the absorption of the food that you eat. As a result you eat less food to fill your small stomach pouch and also since much of the intestines are bypassed you absorb fewer calories and nutrients.




Properties

• Requires stapling and cutting of the stomach and intestines as well as creating new connections and rerouting your gastrointestinal tract.
• Procedure is non-adjustable and essentially nonreversible.
• Increased incidence of malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies because of the intestinal bypass.

Risks

• Common risks as seen with all abdominal surgery.
• Nausea and vomiting, that may require major surgery if a result of a stricture.
• Potential leaks from the new stomach and intestinal connections which can be life-threatening and require emergency surgery.
• Dumping syndrome may occur when eating starchy foods and desserts.

Gastric Sleeve Description

Also known as the vertical sleeve gastrectomy, this is an operation where the stomach is stapled and divided vertically leaving a tube-like portion of stomach intact, shaped like a banana. You have a smaller stomach to fill and it is hoped you will lose weight by restricting the amount of food you eat.

Properties

• Requires stapling and cutting of the stomach.
• Procedure is non-adjustable and essentially nonreversible.
• Least amount of long-term data since this weight loss surgery procedure is relatively new when compared with other weight loss surgery procedures.

Risks

• Common risks as seen with all abdominal surgery
• Nausea and vomiting
• Potential leaks from the stomach staple line which can be life-threatening and require emergency surgery