Lap-Band Surgery vs Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Adjustable
Yes
No
Anatomy Changes
No incisions or stapling is made to the stomach or intestines, and no anatomy is changed. The LAP-BAND itself is placed around the stomach to create a smaller pouch at the top, but is completely reversible and removable.
The stomach is reduced in size by approximately 60-80% along its larger outer curve. This morphs the stomach into a sleeve shape.
Approach to Weight Loss
The LAP-BAND procedure utilizes a restrictive approach, which reduces the amount of food that can be consumed at one meal, slows digestion and creates a feeling of being satisfied after eating smaller portions.
The Gastric Sleeve is a restrictive procedure that limits the amount of food that can be eaten in one meal and reduces the feeling of hunger.
Average Weight Loss
Weight is lost at a gradual pace, and can settle around 3-4 years after surgery, with an average weight loss of 50% after 1 year and55% weight after 5 years.
The Gastric Sleeve allows for a quicker rate of weight loss, with an average of 55% of excess weight in 2 years.*
Dietary Guidelines
During the weight loss period, (approximately 2-3 years), you should eat only around 800calories each day, and can move up to 1000-1200 calories once your weight loss goal has been reached. Diets should include foods that are rich in protein and low in fat and calories. You should also drink 6-8 cups of water each day and avoid any drinks that are caffeinated or carbonated.
During the 1-2 year weight loss period, caloric intake should be between 600 and 800 calories, increasing to 1000-1200 calories per day once your desired weight loss goal is met. It is important to eat foods rich in protein and low in fats and calories. As with the LAP-BAND, you must avoid any drinks with caffeine or carbonation and drink 6-8 cups of water each day.
Eating Habits
You should eat three small meals each day and resist snacking. It is also important to not drink liquids during a meal to prevent it washing through the LAP-BAND, as well as eating slowly and ensuring your food is chewed thoroughly.
It is recommended you eat five small meals a day and resist the urge to snack. You should make sure all food is chewed thoroughly and that drinking liquids is avoided during meals. Also after meals, you should avoid laying down or resting horizontally.
Hospital Stay
Less than 24 hours, often overnight
Less than 24 hours
Medical Implant
Yes
No
Nutritional Supplements
A standard Multivitamin and Calcium Supplement.
Recommended supplements include a standard multivitamin, calcium and vitamin B12 supplements.
Operating Time
1 hour
1 hour
Recovery Time
6 weeks
3 weeks
Reversible
Yes
No
Surgery Benefits and Advantages
The LAP-BAND is a relatively safe and simple procedure that is both adjustable to help maintain a gradual and successful program and fully reversible. LAP-BAND surgery also does not involve and incisions, stapling or removal of the stomach or intestines. This also greatly reduces the risk of malnutrition, as the LAP-BAND does not affect the absorption of calories or nutrients. The hospital stay and recovery period are also fairly short, and there are multiple patient support programs available to help you maintain your weight loss.
The Gastric Sleeve does not require an implant and removes the portion of the stomach that produces Ghrelin, the hormone that creates the feeling of hunger. The Gastric Sleeve is also an excellent option to "stage" your weight loss procedures to reduce the risk of gastric bypass or duodenal switch surgeries. As with the LAP-BAND, the surgery is performed laparoscopically, so scarring is minimal.
Surgery Method
Laparoscopic
Laparoscopic
Surgery Risks and Disadvantages
As with any serious or bariatric surgery, there are the standard inherent risks of complications. However, as it is a less invasive procedure, the LAP-BAND has a lower risk factor than with other weight loss operations. Slipping of the band may occur and may require surgery to correct. If the gastric band is too tight, nausea and/or vomiting may occur.
As with any serious or bariatric surgery, there are the standard inherent risks of complications. Acid can leak from the point of stapling, which may require additional surgery or the use of a tube to drain the fluid. Certain foods may incur feelings of nausea, discomfort or vomiting. Smoking greatly increases the risk of blood clots, infection and a significant reduction in healing time as well as other complications.
Time off Work
1 week
2 weeks
Schedule a Free Consultation
Contact UsGastric Bypass Surgery vs Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Adjustable
No
No
Anatomy Changes
The stomach is stapled and divided, and the intestine is rerouted to be connected to the smaller stomach, and then reconnected to the intestinal tract.
The stomach is reduced in size by approximately 60-80% along its larger outer curve. This morphs the stomach into a sleeve shape.
Approach to Weight Loss
Gastric Bypass surgery is a restrictive process, surgically creating a smaller pouch or "stoma", which limits the amount of food one can eat, as well as the calories and nutrients absorbed by the body.
The Gastric Sleeve is a restrictive procedure that limits the amount of food that can be eaten in one meal and reduces the feeling of hunger.
Average Weight Loss
On average, patients will lose about 60% of their excess body weight within the first 1-2years.*
The Gastric Sleeve allows for a quicker rate of weight loss, with an average of 55% of excess weight in 2 years.*
Dietary Guidelines
Over the course of the first year, caloric intake rises from 200 calories per day within the first couple weeks after surgery to 1,000 maximum after six months and continuing forward. High fiber, high sugar and high fat foods should be avoided and as with most weight loss surgeries, protein intake is important.
During the 1-2 year weight loss period, caloric intake should be between 600 and 800 calories, increasing to 1000-1200 calories per day once your desired weight loss goal is met. It is important to eat foods rich in protein and low in fats and calories. As with the LAP-BAND, you must avoid any drinks with caffeine or carbonation and drink 6-8 cups of water each day.
Eating Habits
Your diet will consist of four to five small meals each day, along with the standard 6-8cups of water per day, while avoiding drinking liquids during or within 30 minutes of a meal.
It is recommended you eat five small meals a day and resist the urge to snack. You should make sure all food is chewed thoroughly and that drinking liquids is avoided during meals. Also after meals, you should avoid laying down or resting horizontally.
Hospital Stay
8-9 days
Less than 24 hours
Medical Implant
No
No
Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements after the surgery include Calcium, a standard multivitamin and Vitamin B12 supplements.
Recommended supplements include a standard multivitamin, calcium and vitamin B12supplements.
Operating Time
3-4 hour
1 hour
Recovery Time
6-8 weeks
3 weeks
Reversible
Yes
No
Surgery Benefits and Advantages
New developments in Gastric Bypass surgery allow many to be performed laparoscopically. The reduction in calories and nutrients absorbed by the body is larger, (called malabsorption), but can cause problems if the body does not absorb enough nutrients.
The Gastric Sleeve does not require an implant and removes the portion of the stomach that produces Ghrelin, the hormone that creates the feeling of hunger. The Gastric Sleeve is also an excellent option to "stage" your weight loss procedures to reduce the risk of gastric bypass or duodenal switch surgeries. As with the LAP-BAND, the surgery is performed laparoscopically, so scarring is minimal.
Surgery Method
Laparoscopic
Laparoscopic
Surgery Risks and Disadvantages
As with any serious or weight loss surgery, there are the standard inherent risks of complications. Improper healing of the stapled and sealed areas can result in leakage, infection and abscess formation. Dumping syndrome may occur when consuming high-starch foods and desserts. Nausea and vomiting may occur, which may require major surgery if a stricture occurs.
As with any serious or bariatric surgery, there are the standard inherent risks of complications. Acid can leak from the point of stapling, which may require additional surgery or the use of a tube to drain the fluid. Certain foods may incur feelings of nausea, discomfort or vomiting. Smoking greatly increases the risk of blood clots, infection and a significant reduction in healing time as well as other complications.
Time off Work
3 weeks
2 weeks
Schedule a Free Consultation
Contact UsWeigh the options yourself
While millions of obese Americans try diet, fitness, and medication programs to lose weight, these methods usually offer only short-term results.
Before you make the decision to undergo bariatric surgery, it is important to compare and contrast the available procedures to consider which option is best for you.
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