Gastric Bypass vs LAP-BAND: What’s the Difference?
Many people who struggle with their weight benefit from gastric bypass or LAP-BAND surgery. The LAP-BAND is adjustable and can be customized to meet the needs of the patient throughout their weight loss journey.
Although both gastric bypass surgery and the LAP-BAND procedure help people reach their weight loss and health goals, there are some important differences. Drs. A. Joseph Cribbins III and Edmund Chen of the Texas Center for Bariatrics & Advanced Surgery would like to take a moment to compare gastric bypass versus LAP-BAND. If you live in or around Plano, TX, and would like to discuss whether one of these weight loss surgeries is right for you, we welcome you to schedule a consultation.
What Is a Gastric Bypass?
Gastric bypass is a surgical procedure in which the size of the stomach is reduced and a portion of the digestive system is bypassed. This is essentially done by stapling the stomach into a small pouch, cutting the small intestine and attaching it to the newly made, small stomach pouch.
These changes are made to reduce the size of the stomach and help patients feel full faster and with less food. Additionally, cutting the small intestine shortens the digestive tract, reducing the amount of calories and nutrients absorbed from food.
What Is LAP-BAND?
LAP-BAND stands for laparoscopic adjustable gastric band. It’s an adjustable silicone band that is placed around the top area of the stomach. The band is inflated through a port using a saline solution.
By adding or removing saline, the LAP-BAND can be adjusted to make the stomach smaller. As with gastric bypass surgery, this helps make the stomach smaller so patients feel full with less food.
What Are the Differences Between Gastric Bypass and LAP-BAND?
Gastric bypass surgery and the LAP-BAND procedure help with weight loss by reducing the size of the stomach and decreasing the amount of food necessary to feel full. Although both procedures have the same goal, there are some key differences, such as:
- LAP-BAND is reversible: No surgical changes are made to the stomach when a LAP-BAND is placed, making the procedure reversible.
- Gastric bypass is permanent: Gastric bypass is a permanent procedure that surgically alters the stomach and small intestine.
- Recovery after the LAP-BAND procedure is shorter: The LAP-BAND procedure is less invasive that gastric bypass, resulting in a shorter recovery time.
- LAP-BAND requires ongoing adjustments: LAP-BANDs need to be refilled with saline and adjusted to maintain the desired stomach size.
Choosing Between Gastric Bypass and LAP-BAND Surgery
Although there are several significant differences between gastric bypass and LAP-BAND surgery, both significantly help with weight loss when combined with dietary and lifestyle changes.
The right treatment depends on the unique needs of each patient, their current health and weight, and their desired goals. Our Plano bariatric surgeons work closely with each patient to determine which procedure is best suited to their needs.
Contact the Texas Center for Bariatrics & Advanced Surgery
If you are struggling with your weight and would like to know more about weight loss surgery, please call our Plano office at (214) 501-1333 to contact our practice.