How does Lap-Band compare to Gastric Bypass Surgery?

The most common type of weight loss surgery is gastric bypass surgery with over 30 years of use and impressive weight loss results. On the other hand, lap band surgery is a newer and less invasive procedure that is growing in popularity due to it's comparable long term weight loss with less risk.

Many patients are interested in comparing gastric bypass surgery and lap band surgery. This chart can help give you a general overview of these two popular weight loss procedures, but it should not take the place of a consultation with your doctor to discuss your health and determine which procedure is the best fit for you.

Procedure Lap-Band Surgery Gastric Bypass
  Lap-Band Gastric Bypass
Approach to Weight Loss Restrictive
  • Limits amount of food that can be eaten
  • Slows digestion
  • Creates satiety
Restrictive-Malabsorptive
  • Limits amount of food that can be eaten
  • Reduces absorption
  • Dumping Syndrome
Anatomy Changes Stomach
  • Small (1-2 oz) stomach pouch created by placing an adjustable silicone band around top part of stomach
Stomach and Intestines
  • Stomach divided into an upper small (1 oz) pouch and a lower larger remnant pouch
  • Small intestine cut and rerouted
Dietary Guidelines
  • 800 calories per day for first 2-3 years, then 1000-1200 calories per day
  • eat protein-rich foods
  • certain fibrous, dry, or doughy foods can get stuck if eaten
  • high carbohydrate and high calorie intake will defeat weight loss attempts
  • drink 6-8 cups of water a day between meals
  • avoid carbonated drinks
  • 800 calories per day for first 1-2 years, then 1000-1200 calories per day
  • eat protein-rich foods
  • avoid intake of sugar and fats or Dumping Syndrome occurs
  • high carbohydrate and high calorie intake will defeat weight loss attempts
  • drink 6-8 cups of water per day between meals
  • avoid carbonated drinks
Eating Habits
  • eat 3 small meals a day
  • avoid snacking
  • no drinking with meals
  • eat slowly and chew food thoroughly
  • eat small amounts
  • avoid snacking
  • no drinking with meals
  • eat and drink slowly
  • chew food thoroughly
Nutritional Supplements
  • Multivitamin
  • Calcium
  • Multivitamin
  • Calcium
  • Vitamin B12
  • Iron
Operating Time
  • 1 hour
  • 2 hours
Hospital Stay
  • less than 24 hrs - overnight
  • 2-3 days
Time off Work
  • 1 week
  • 2 - 3 weeks
Recovery Time
  • 2 weeks
  • 9 - 12 weeks
Surgery Disadvantages
  • General surgical risks including infection
  • Possibility of band slippage, band erosion, or port problems
  • Requires more patient effort for weight loss
  • Stoma obstruction
  • Band needs fills and adjustments by doctor
  • Complex operation
  • Surgical risks including infection, leaks, and blood clots
  • Ulcers
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Reflux
  • Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
  • Dumping Syndrome
Surgery Mortality Rates
  • 1 in 2000
  • 1 in 200
Surgery Advantages
  • Simple and relatively safe procedure
  • Reversible
  • Adjustable
  • No removing or altering any part of the stomach or intestines
  • Short hospital stay
  • Quick recovery period
  • Low malnutrition risk
  • Low rate of major complications
  • Rapid weight loss in first 6 months
  • Greatly controls amount of food that can be eaten
  • Dumping Syndrome controls intake of sweets
  • Limits amount of calories absorbed by the body
Average Weight Loss
  • Slow and steady weight loss
  • Settles at final weight 3-4 years after surgery
  • 40-50% weight loss after 1 year
  • 55% weight loss after 5 years
  • Rapid weight loss first 6 months
  • Settles at final weight about 18-24 months after surgery
  • 70% weight loss after 1 year
  • 60% weight loss after 5 years
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