Lap-Band vs. Gastric Sleeve Surgery

More and more Americans are turning to bariatric surgery to help them achieve their weight loss goals and fight their obesity battles. There are several great benefits to doing this, as obesity can lead to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, certain types of cancers, sleep apnea, and many other serious health issues. Two of the most popular weight loss surgeries here in New York are the Lap-Band surgery and the Gastric Sleeve surgery. Today, we’d like to compare these surgeries for patients who may be considering them.

How Surgical Weight Loss Methods Work

With regard to bariatric surgeries, there are three different approaches:

• Restrictive Surgery: This type of surgery is implemented by altering the size of your stomach and affecting your Ghrelin hormone, which is responsible for those feelings of hunger, so that you feel full sooner when eating.
• Malabsorptive Surgery: This type of surgery is implemented by altering your digestive tract so fewer calories and nutrients are absorbed by your intestines when you eat and drink.
• Combination Restrictive/Malabsorptive: These types of surgeries involve a combination of the methods mentioned above.

Both the Gastric Sleeve and Lap-Band surgeries are restrictive in nature. Firstly, we’ll look at the Lap-Band surgery.

The Lap-Band Surgery

The Lap-Band surgery is a laparoscopic surgery, meaning that your bariatric surgeon makes a few small incisions so that he or she can use internal cameras and specialized surgical tools to perform your surgery without the need for open surgery and large scars. Your bariatric surgeon will carefully place the band around the upper portion of your stomach. After your surgery, you’ll likely need adjustments to your band to address your changing needs.

The Gastric Sleeve Surgery

The Gastric Sleeve surgery is also laparoscopic and involves your bariatric surgeon revising the size of your stomach. He or she will cut away a portion of your stomach and remove it, leaving a stomach pouch similarly shaped like a banana. The extent of how much of your stomach your bariatric surgeon will need to remove will be discussed during your preoperative consultations. As with the Lap-Band surgery, patients will consume less food and experience fewer feelings of hunger.

How Do These Two Surgeries Compare?

For many patients, the Gastric Sleeve has a number of advantages when compared to the Lap-Band surgery. For example, the Lap-Band surgery can require several surgeries after the first one to ensure proper adjustments and fit, with each band coming at an additional cost on top of the initial bariatric surgery cost.

There are also chances of complications with the Lap-Band surgery one should consider. For example, the Lap-Band may shift or slip, and it can even cut into your stomach tissue. By comparison, the Gastric Sleeve surgery does come with high chances of these complications and has a higher success rate compared to the Lap-Band surgery.

Consider All The Options With Your Bariatric Surgeon In NY

While there are some advantages to certain bariatric surgeries over others, it’s imperative that you don’t just read our blog and form an opinion. Schedule a consultation with our bariatric surgeon, Dr. Rosen, and allow us to walk through all options with you. We’ll help you make the right decision that best fits your needs.