Information to help you make an informed decision.
While LAP-BAND and Gastric Bypass are both well-proven methods for dramatic weight loss, Northwest EndoSurgical typically recommends LAP-BAND to most patients, reserving our Gastric Bypass expertise for unique and extreme cases.
Surgeons have reported that gastric bypass patients lose weight faster in the first year. At 3 years, however, many LAP-BAND patients have achieved weight loss comparable to that of gastric bypass patients. You should focus on long-term weight loss and remember that it is important to lose weight gradually while reducing obesity-related risks and improving your health.
Here’s a quick look at both procedures for your own comparison.
| LAP-BAND | Gastric Bypass
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Advantages: - Simple and minimally invasive procedure
- No stomach stapling, cutting or intestinal rerouting
- Small incisions and minimal scarring
- Adjustable to customize to patient needs
- Reversible at any time
- Lowest operative complications rate
- Low malnutrition risk
- Reduced pain, hospital stay and recovery period
| Advantages: - Well proven over many years of success
- Rapid immediate weight loss
- No significant hardware in body
- No adjustments necessary
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Drawbacks: - Slower initial weight loss than gastric bypass
- Regular follow up and band adjustment is critical for optimal results
- Medical hardware remains in body
- Weight regain if dietary regimen not followed properly
| Drawbacks: - Complex operation involving multiple abdominal areas
- Mineral absorption deficiencies requiring long-term supplements
- Dumping syndrome causing an intolerance to sugars
- Vomiting if food is not properly ingested
- Increased gas
- Weight regain if dietary regimen not followed
- Inability to X-ray or endoscope much of the digestive system should problems arise post-surgery
- Only reversible in a complex emergency procedure
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Risks: - About 5% failure rate due to balloon leakage, band erosion, band migration or deep infection
| Risks: - Complications from complex surgery
- Staple line leaks and failure
- Ulcers
- Narrowing or blockage of stomach
- Long-term deficiencies of vitamin B12, folate and iron
- Abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, weakness, sweating, faintness and diarrhea due to dumping syndrome
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