Gastric Banding vs Gastric Bypass Surgery: Quick Comparison

Here is a quick comparison of Gastric Banding (Lap-Band) and Gastric Bypass Surgery. Both bariatric surgeries are quite popular, gastric banding is prefromed hundreds of thousands of times per year, while gastric bypass is not far off. While gastric banding and gastric bypass are ideal for different patients, they are the most popular bariatric surgeries today.

A comparison of gastric bypass surgery verse gastric banding surgery is presented below for people looking to decipher the differences.

Gastric Bypass vs Gastric Banding

Weight Loss Surgery	Gastric Bypass	Gastric Banding
Type of Bariatric Surgery	Restrictive & Malabsorptive Reduces Stomach Capacity Alters Digestive Tract	Restrictive Limits Food Intake Slows Digestion
Changes to Stomach	Stomach size reduced and new stomach outlet (stoma) created Stomach is separated into two and stoma is created in the smaller upper pouch; lower remaining portion of the stomach is bypassed	No Changes Smaller stomach capacity created by band placed around the upper portion of the stomach.
Changes to Small Intestine	Small intestine is cut in the middle; upper section is bypassed and lower section is attached to the stoma	No Changes
Average Operating Time	2 hours	One Hour
Average Hospital Stay	2 to 3 days	One Day
Average Time off Work	2 to 3 weeks	One Week
Average Recovery Time	3 months	4 to 6 weeks
Advantages	Fast, Consistent Weight-Loss Malabsorption Boosts Weight-Loss Long history of RNY Gastric Bypass means there is more known about the long-term results of the surgery	Least invasive: Reversible Adjustable, which helps support weight loss No permanent changes to the stomach or digestive track Least costly bariatric surgery Likely covered by Insurance Low incidences of complications and side effects Quick procedure Lowest rates of serious risks Long history of post-surgery results
Disadvantages	General surgical risks including infection, bleeding, and blood clots. Mostly Irreversible Procedure. Possible Leakage, Gallstones, Bleeding, Ulcers and more. Dumping Syndrome Frequent.	Possible Leakage, Infection, Bleeding, and more. Permanent Newer procedure without long-term results Lacks major insurance coverage
Expected Weight Loss	Patients lose about 70% of Excess Weight.	Patients lose about 60% of Excess Weight.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric Bypass Surgery, or Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, is a restrictive and malabsorptive weight-loss surgery procedure. Considered the "Gold Standard" in bariatrics, gastric bypass is ideal for patients on the higher end of the BMI spectrum. Patients with 40 BMI or over with co-morbidities are likely good candidates for the surgery. Gastric Bypass is often considered a powerful bariatric surgery because of its high expected weight loss. Read More...

Gastric Banding (Lap-Band) Surgery

Gastric Banding on the other hand is more aptly ideal for patients on the lower end of the BMI spectrum. Colloquially known under the two competing implant brands, Lap-Band and REALIZE band; gastric banding is completely reversible and less invasive unlike gastric bypass. The surgery promises lower bouts of complications and side effects than gastric bypass, and has fewer risks. Patients not looking for a permanent procedure are likely to choose gastric banding surgery. Read More...