Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding versus Sleeve Gastrectomy

There are several different types of surgery to consider as you explore your weight loss surgery options. Two options worth considering are the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band procedure, known as lap-band. The other is sleeve gastrectomy, often referred to as a gastric sleeve procedure or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Each one poses strengths and benefits that vary from one person to the next. It’s important to gather all the facts and discuss your wishes, needs, and concerns with your physician in order to determine which procedure is the best choice for you.

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap-Band Surgery)

This procedure works to limit appetite and food intake by wrapping an adjustable band around the upper portion of the stomach. This band creates a small pouch where food enters with a smaller opening below for food to pass through. The pouch allows you to feel full faster so that you eat less food.

The result of this, when combined with proper dietary intake and adequate exercise, is slow, steady, and consistent weight loss of one to two pounds per week over a two to three year period.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of the lap-band procedure is that there is no stapling or cutting of the stomach involved. This means that the procedure is not only fully reversible, but also less of a shock to the system, which leads to fewer potential complications with the procedure.

Another benefit of the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedure is that the size of the lower opening is adjustable through “fills” performed in your doctor’s office. These fills allow you to create a smaller opening if you’re not achieving the weight loss results you need or a larger opening if you appear to be losing too much weight too quickly.

Recovery time for lap-band surgery is also generally short, with a hospital stay of approximately 24 hours and the ability to return to work within one to two weeks.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

The sleeve gastrectomy uses a stapling device to create a vertical sleeve, typically removing more than 75 percent of the stomach, and leaving a portion about the size of a banana behind. This limits the amount of food you can consume, while allowing you to maintain full, normal digestion and absorption of the food.

The procedure can now be done with a virtually scarless single incision sleeve gastrectomy resulting in a quicker recovery time and better osmosis.

What’s highly beneficial about this procedure is that the part of the stomach that is removed is the part that produces the hunger hormone Ghrelin.

Recovery times for this procedure can be as short as one hospital day, and most people spend one to two weeks recovering, on average, before returning to work.

Making the Choice

The bottom line is that both procedures offer advantages according to your state of health and immediate weight loss needs and goals. Contact us at New York Bariatric Group at 800-633-8446 to discuss both gastric sleeve surgery and the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band procedure. You can also attend a free seminar to learn more about the various weight loss procedures and their benefits.

Back to blogSchedule a Consultation

Sign Up


Back to Blog

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding versus Sleeve Gastrectomy

Thomas

Lost 145lbs

Thomas' success story

I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

Everybody treated me like a king. The day of surgery, I was excited. The hospital couldn’t be any nicer. I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man. My recovery was awesome. I was out of bed that day. My wife and kids were my motivation on getting this surgery. They are my whole life. I’m happy I’m going to be around for them.

Listen to Thomas’ testimonial

Nicole

Lost 76lbs

Nicole's success story

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

I had the gastric bypass. I am Type 2 Diabetic and I wanted to gain control of my sugar. I hit my goal weight in about 5 and half months and I feel fabulous. The procedure has completely changed my life for the better because it has empowered me as a middle aged woman that I can really do everything and anything that I want to do. I don't put an age on anything. I don't say I'm too old for something.

Listen to Nicole’s testimonial

Robert

Lost 76lbs

Robert's success story

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

I knew if I didn't change something soon, I was going to be in a lot of trouble. The consultation process was a lot easier than I expected. I was met with open arms. I was treated like I was the only patient here. Not only did they answer all of my questions, they had questions for me to make sure I was the right candidate for the surgery. After surgery and that weight started dropping off, my life started changing for the better.

Listen to Robert’s testimonial

Samantha

Lost 92lbs

Samantha's success story

I feel like a completely different person.

I had the gastric sleeve procedure. The driving factor behind me getting this procedure was my health. I didn't feel good physically or mentally. I had joint pains, even standing was difficult sometimes. Emotionally, this surgery completely turned my life around. I have so much more confidence. So much more happiness. I feel like a completely different person. I feel stronger. I feel able to accomplish more.

Listen to Samantha’s testimonial

Eileen

Lost 99lbs

Eileen's success story

It saved my life.

The driving factor behind me getting my procedure was that I couldn't get up off the floor with my granddaughter. That was my why. That was my big reason for having this surgery done. After surgery, it was a little bit of a struggle with what to eat. What you put in your mouth that you don't even think about. You don't think about what you're eating or how you're eating and portion size. It's what I do now every single day. The procedure has changed my life in so many ways. It saved my life.

Listen to Eileen’s testimonial

Brittany

Lost 126lbs

Brittany's success story

I am totally comfortable in my own skin.

I think I always grew up identifying myself as less than other people because I was fat. I decided to tackle that and just live my life. I had a sleeve gastrectomy. It changed how I view myself. How I communicate with people. I'm able to be much more of myself and live the life I always thought I should have been living. I am totally comfortable in my own skin. You have the tools you need to succeed here.

Listen to Brittany’s testimonial

Desiree

Lost 157lbs

Desiree's success story

I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before.

I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy because I had just become diabetic, and I had hypertension for many years. I lost a total of 157 pounds in 11 months. I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before. Everyone at New York Bariatric Group has been wonderful. They are kind. They are understanding. They make you feel comfortable. They will guide you every step of the way on your journey so that you can be successful.

Listen to Desiree’s testimonial

BMI Calculator

What is your height?

ft
in

What is your weight?

lbs

Your BMI is

Note: A BMI of 30 – 34.9 or BMI 35 – 39.9 with no comorbidities qualify for lap band but is usually not covered by insurance.

Contact us media

© New York Bariatric Group. All Rights Reserved. Web Design & Internet Marketing by Studio III

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 1-800-633-THIN.
Contact Us