Weight Loss Surgery Comparison
When comparing the different types of weight loss surgery, it’s clear that our newer and minimally invasive procedures serve the needs of our patients just as well as gastric bypass. The following is an assessment of various weight loss surgeries and their characteristics:
| Gastric Bypass | LAP-BAND® System | Sleeve Gastrectomy |
|---|---|---|
| Usually a laparoscopic procedure |
Laparoscopic procedure | Laparoscopic procedure |
| Most Invasive | Minimally invasive | Less complex compared to gastric bypass |
| Stomach cutting and intestinal rerouting | No stomach cutting or intestinal rerouting | Stomach cutting, but no intestinal rerouting (no bypass) |
| Highest complication rates | Lowest complication rates | Lower complication rates |
| Highest short-term mortality rates | Lowest short-term mortality rates | Lower short-term mortality rates |
| Nonadjustable | Adjustable and customizable | Nonadjustable |
| Difficult to reverse | Easily reversible | Nonreversible |
| High malabsorptive risk | Low malabsorptive risk | Low malabsorptive risk |
| No implanted device | Requires an implanted device | No implanted device |
| Risk of "dumping syndrome" | No "dumping syndrome" | Low risk of "dumping syndrome" |
| Rapid initial weight loss | Gradual, healthy weight loss | Rapid initial weight loss |
| Prolonged sense of fullness after meals | Prolonged sense of fullness after meals | Prolonged sense of fullness after meals |
| Long-term weight loss outcomes favorable | Long-term weight loss outcomes favorable | Long-term weight loss outcomes favorable |
| Longest track record in the U.S. | Approved by the FDA in 2001 for use in the United States and is widely used worldwide | More than 10 years of proven success |
| 2-3 days average hospital stay | 0 to 1 night average hospital stay | 1 to 2 night average hospital stay |
| Fewer follow-up visits required | Regular follow-up visits required | Fewer follow-up visits required |
| Lifelong nutritional supplementation | Nutritional supplementation not likely | Lifelong nutritional supplementation |
| Weight loss greater than Lap Band® System | Weight loss significantly less than other procedures | Weight loss greater than Lap Band® System. Similar to gastric bypass |