Lap Band vs. Gastric Bypass Comparison

Lap Band vs. Gastric Bypass Comparison

There are many important differences between Lap Band surgery and Gastric Bypass surgery that a patient should consider in their decision in choosing a weight loss surgical procedure.

If you look at the common complications of weight loss surgery, the Lap Band is much safer. Many of the complications related to the Gastric Bypass do not exist with the Lap Band. Gastric Bypass complications are more common, may be more severe, and even may result in a prolonged hospitalization, long term disabilities, or death. Lap Band complications are rare, usually minor, and in most cases, easily fixed as an out patient.

Patients who come to see me for the Lap Band surgery tell me they would not even consider Gastric Bypass surgery… It is too radical, invasive, and higher risk, and they don’t “want their guts rearranged.” They would rather stay obese than have Gastric Bypass surgery. Others comment that the bypass patients look ill and malnourished, that their skin and hair look unhealthy. All agree that the “Band” patients look healthy and happy. When Band patients reach their healthy goal weight, they are healthy! When Bypass patients reach their goal weight, they still have a chronic disease called ‘malabsorption.’

Complication or Problem Leak causing peritonitis Requires cutting of the intestines Requires rearranging intestines Higher risk operation Higher death rate More invasive and complex Irreversible Dumping Syndrome Vitamin Deficiencies Stricture Internal hernia Anastomotic Ulcer Osteoporosis Eliminates scope access to stomach Pregnancies are higher risk Weight regain from stretched pouch Weight regain from dilated stoma Requires 2-5 day hospitalization Protein malabsorption Diarrhea Increased risk for kidney stones Erratic absorption of medicines Unhealthy muscle wasting Long term complicated vitamin regimen Requires protein powders/supplements Blood tests required frequently Adjustable Convert to other procedures

Gastric Bypass Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No

Lap Band No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No Yes Yes