Two of the most commonly performed types of weight loss surgery near Los Angeles include LAP-BAND® surgery and gastric bypass surgery. Although both approaches can be effective in achieving long-term weight loss, there are advantages and tradeoffs to each procedure. When discussing the pros and cons with my patients, I generally go over the following:
Surgical Time
Surgical time will vary between procedures. Typically, gastric bypass surgery requires a longer operation because the stomach is surgically altered. LAP-BAND surgery, on the other hand, can be performed through a single incision and involves implanting a surgical device around the top of the stomach.
Recovery
Because gastric bypass surgery is more generally more involved, the recovery time is usually longer than with LAP-BAND procedures. However, at my practice, I offer laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery that uses very small incisions in the abdomen, as opposed to one large incision. Although this technique provides a faster recovery than traditional open surgery, the LAP-BAND procedure still requires less downtime.
Weight Loss Results
Weight loss occurs more rapidly after gastric bypass than with LAP-BAND and can result in an average reduction of 70 to 80% of excess weight after 1 year. Weight loss with LAP-BAND is typically more gradual and can average 50 to 60% of excess weight over a 2 to 3 year period. However, because the LAP-BAND is adjustable, weight loss can continue for many years with periodic band adjustments.
Side Effects
It is important to maintain a regulated nutrition program to avoid a possible side effect known as dumping syndrome, which may cause issues such as upset stomach. In addition, because gastric bypass surgery inhibits the absorption of some nutrients, a nutritional supplement is generally recommended. There are typically fewer unwanted side effects associated with LAP-BAND, but there is a risk of the band slipping or irritating the stomach.
Choosing the Right Procedure
Deciding which procedure to choose will depend on an individual’s current health, available recovery time, and individual weight loss goals. A complete physical examination and consultation with an experienced bariatric surgeon is usually needed in order to determine the appropriate treatment.