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Compare Gastric Bypass Surgery to LAP-BAND System

Many patients who see us in consultation are candidates for either Gastric Bypass or the LAP-BAND® surgery. In such cases, should the patient undergo gastric bypass or LAP-BAND® surgery?

How is this decision made?

Some patients find it difficult to decide which procedure is right for them. This can be a difficult decision and we encourage you to take your time and do your research. Other things that may help you make your decision include: attending support group meetings, talking with past patients, meeting with the dietitian or surgeon and discussing your concerns.

There will be times when you may not have a choice:

*Certain insurance companies will only pay for certain procedures, or
*Certain medical conditions are contra-indicated with certain procedures
With consideration to the above listed suggestions and issues, if you still are having difficulty deciding, consider the following:

  • If you live far away from the surgeon, will it be difficult to have adjustments?
  • Do you have a “sweet tooth?” You will have less success with the LAP-BAND®
  • Are you a heavy snacker? You may have less success with the LAP-BAND®
  • Are you really scared of the Gastric Bypass? The LAP-BAND® may be a better choice.

The LAP-BAND® requires tremendous commitment and self control. If you chose to eat unhealthy, high fat and high sugar foods, it will be very difficult to lose weight. To help patients make their own best decision about which procedure they should undergo, we offer this table:

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass LAP-BAND®
Gold standard, time tested Promising new technology
Complex operation, multiple areas of abdomen involved Simpler operation, gives lower risk around surgery (less chance of death or prolonged hospitalization)
Rapid weight loss over 3-6 months, settling at final weight 10-16 months after surgery Slow and steady weight loss, settling at final weight around 2 years after surgery
Deficiency in mineral absorption, requiring long-term supplements Possible deficiencies due to decreased intake, long-term supplements also recommended
Dumping syndrome (intolerance to sugars and some carbohydrates) No Dumping syndrome
Not reversible Sort of reversible
No significant hardware in body Long term (non-reactive) plastic material in body
The LAP-BAND® must be adjusted for best success
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Comparing the Procedures

Comparing the Procedures

Patients generally have more success with gastric bypass operations than restrictive procedures.

Risks are similar for both restrictive and gastric bypass procedures. Except the risk of nutritional deficiencies for iron, calcium, and Vitamin B12--are higher in patients who undergo gastric bypass operations. Also, there is risk of intestinal leaking.

Gastric bypass operations also may cause "dumping syndrome." This is when food moves too fast through the small intestine. It causes nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness, and sometimes diarrhea.

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Open vs. Laparoscopic Surgery

Open and laparoscopic refer to how abdominal cavity is entered and not the type of surgery being performed. So each type of weight loss surgery may be performed as either an open or a laparoscopic procedure.

When performing open surgery, surgeons create a single incision to open the abdomen for the operation. Typically, for women it is 4 1/2 to 6 inches, and for men, it is 5 1/2 to 7 inches.

With laparoscopic surgery, multiple, small incisions are made in the abdominal wall to accommodate a small video camera and surgical instruments. The surgeon views the procedure on a separate video monitor. Most laparoscopic surgeons believe this gives them a better view and access to key structures.

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what does it cost?

thank you!
for inquiring about this surgery

in many cases your insurance will cover all/most of the cost of this surgery. if you want to pay cash, the cost can be as low as $10,000
**cost varies region to region

another good reason to have surgery is that our patients have told us that weight loss surgery can reduce your monthly food bill as much as 50% or more

besides the significantly higher food costs, medical costs are dramatically higher to those suffering from morbid obesity

How may we help you?