Comparison Chart Between the Lap Band & Gastric Sleeve

[Shelby]

I've put together a comparison chart showing the differences between the Lap Band Surgery and the Gastric Sleeve Surgery for those of you who are having a hard time deciding which surgery to have. I would be happy to talk with anyone, anytime in order to help you in deciding which surgery would work best for you!

Lap Band Surgery

Approach to Weight Loss-Restrictive

• Reduces the amount of food you eat
• Slows digestion
• Creates satiety

Changes in Anatomy

• Creates a new small stomach pouch by placing an adjustable silicone band around the top part of the stomach

Eating Habits

• eat 3 small meals a day
• avoid snacking
• no drinking with meals
• eat slowly and chew food thoroughly


Stay in Mexico • 2- 3 nights
Time off Work • 1 week or less
Recovery Time • 1 week
Surgical Method • Laparoscopic
Adjustable • Yes
Reversible • Yes
Medical Implant • Yes


Surgery Risks and Disadvantages


• General surgical risks including infection and blood clots
• Band slippage (3-5%), band erosion (1-2%), or port problems
• Stoma obstruction
• Band needs fills and adjustments by doctor

Surgery Benefits and Advantages

• Simple and relatively safe procedure
• Reversible
• Adjustable
• Does not remove or alter any part of the stomach or intestines
• Short hospital stay
• Quick recovery period
• Lower cost for surgery itself


Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Approach to Weight Loss-Restrictive

• Reduces the amount of food you eat
• Reduces hunger sensations
• Reduces stomach size by removing 60% to 80% of the stomach leaving only a narrow (banana shaped) tube


Eating Habits

• avoid snacking
• do not eat and drink at the same time
• eat slowly and chew food thoroughly
• eat 3 small meals a day



Stay in Mexico • 4-5 nights
Time off Work • 1-2 weeks
Recovery Time • 2-3 weeks
Surgical Method • Laparoscopic
Adjustable • No
Reversible ]• No
Medical Implant • No

Surgery Risks and Disadvantages

• General surgical risks, including infection and blood clots
• Leakage at stomach suture/staple edge
• Not reversible


Surgery Benefits and Advantages

• Does not require a medical device implant into body
• Small intestine is left intact (unlike with the gastric bypass surgery)
• Reduces hunger (the portion of stomach that produces Ghrelin, the hunger stimulating hormone, is removed)
• Few food intolerances
• Low malnutrition risk
• No fills or adjustments are needed (like with the lap band surgery)