Obesity increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and mental health disorders.
Although you may have tried weight loss programs to no avail, all is not lost. With bariatric surgery, you can eliminate these risks and live a healthier life.
Let’s discuss the difference between gastric sleeve and lap band for weight loss and which option is right for you.
Gastric Band vs. Gastric Sleeve: How Does It Work?
Gastric band surgery
It is performed by a bariatric surgeon in a hospital setting under general anesthesia. It is often performed laparoscopically, which means the surgeon inserts small instruments through small incisions made in the abdomen. In rare cases, gastric band surgery can be performed as open surgery, which involves a much larger incision in the abdomen.
You will not need an overnight hospital stay. Gastric band surgery is also reversible. The band used to wrap around part of the stomach can be adjusted or removed by the surgeon. It does not involve any cutting of the actual stomach organ.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
The surgery helps with weight loss by actually reducing the size of the stomach. Up to 80% of the stomach is removed during this procedure, resulting in a much smaller stomach organ that is shaped like a sleeve or banana.
It improves weight loss and treats health conditions associated with obesity, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. Gastric sleeve surgery is the most common bariatric procedure in the United States.
Gastric Band vs. Gastric Sleeve: Benefits
Gastric Band
1. Least Risk
Gastric band surgery is the least risky of all weight loss surgeries. It is a minimally invasive procedure, and unlike gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, there is no permanent change to your body. Although gastric banding is supposed to be a permanent solution, it is reversible.
2. Low BMI Requirements
For patients who are desperate to undergo weight loss surgery after a history of struggling with obesity and following a crash diet, gastric banding may be the right solution. Specifically, the BMI requirement for gastric banding is 30, which means that patients who are on the lower end of the obese BMI category can qualify for gastric band weight loss surgery.
3. A number of health benefits
It has a significant impact on a variety of health conditions associated with obesity. Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, acid reflux, sleep apnea, as well as joint pain and self-esteem have all been shown to improve after gastric banding.
Gastric Sleeve
1. Weight Loss
The main reason most patients choose gastric sleeve surgery is because of the weight loss that is expected with the procedure. Studies show that patients who have undergone gastric sleeve surgery lose about 60-70% of their excess weight over a two-year period.
2. Appetite Reduction
Gastric sleeve surgery not only removes 80% of the stomach, it also removes the hunger hormone – ghrelin. This helps patients who suffer from food cravings and reduces their appetite, making it easier for patients to eat smaller amounts.
3. A number of health benefits
Aside from reducing the number on the scale, gastric sleeve surgery is excellent for helping to solve health problems. Conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome, as well as mental health, have been shown to be significantly reduced or completely resolved after gastric sleeve surgery.
Which Obesity Treatment Options Are Best for You?
Both gastric banding and gastric sleeve surgery have the same ultimate goal. They both help people whose health may be at risk due to obesity lose excess weight and live healthier lives. However, there are some differences to consider when considering which procedure to have, including:
Body Mass Index: The BMI requirements for gastric sleeve surgery are slightly higher than for gastric banding.
Permanence: Gastric banding is reversible, whereas gastric sleeve surgery is not.
Effectiveness: Rates of weight loss and disease improvement are higher for gastric sleeve surgery than gastric banding.
Weight Loss Approach: In fact, gastric sleeve surgery reduces hunger and helps control blood sugar, whereas gastric banding surgery does not.
Complications: Gastric band surgery carries a lower risk of surgical complications and vitamin deficiencies.
Long-Term Care: Gastric band surgery may require several adjustments to the band, and it is possible for the band to move out of place or damage the stomach over time.
Other problems: Gastric sleeve surgery can make the condition worse or cause acid reflux and heartburn, while gastric banding can cause swallowing problems and enlargement of the esophagus.
FAQ:
Long term success rates lap band vs sleeve
The study found that participants who underwent gastric sleeve surgery lost weight faster and more significantly after one year and five years. However, after ten years, the research found that weight loss results were comparable between the two groups.
Cost difference between lap band and gastric sleeve
Both are close, the average total cost of gastric band surgery is $14,500. The average total cost of gastric sleeve surgery is $14,900.
Which is safer lap band or gastric sleeve surgery
Although in rare cases gastric banding may be the most appropriate option for a patient, gastric sleeve surgery is the most effective and convenient option for weight loss in general. With advances in surgery and despite the standard surgical risks, gastric sleeve surgery is a safe procedure.
Both gastric band and gastric sleeve surgery help with weight loss and the health issues associated with obesity, and Medconsulto is dedicated to helping you find the best procedure for you. Contact us today to have a free consultation with our experienced team.
