Lap Band vs Gastric Bypass
Adjustable gastric lap band vs gastric bypass, which should you choose? They can both be done as laparoscopic procedures, but the adjustable gastric lap band is a quicker operation, is more easily reversible, and is a restrictive-only procedure. Remember that gastric bypass, like the roux-en-y, uses a combination of restrictive and malabsorptive features. The adjustable gastric lap band is designed to make you feel fuller, faster by forming a small pouch at the top of your stomach. There is no cutting or stapling, and your doctor will expand the band (fatten it by pumping saline into it) if the opening into your regular stomach is allowing the food to pass through too quickly.
The gastric bypass restricts your consumption by actually sectioning off a small pouch, and then further enhances weight loss by reducing the calories you can absorb. One of the features of this type of procedure is the possibility of having dumping syndrome, which may be viewed as a plus by some and a curse by others.
So how do you decide: adjustable gastric lap band vs gastric bypass? You should discuss the pros and cons of each procedure with your doctor, but in the end, you will probably have to decide. Be sure to research your options and take a look at this chart to help you see the differences.
| Gastric Bypass | Lap Band |
| more expensive | less expensive |
| faster weight loss | slower weight loss |
| harder to "cheat" due to unpleasant side effects | easier to "cheat" the surgery |
| must supplement with vitamins for life | may need to supplement with vitamins |
| most popular in the United Sates | most popular in Australia and Europe |
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