Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Banding: A Quick Comparison

Comparing bariatric surgeries, Gastric Banding (Lap-Band) is often lumped together with Gastric Sleeve because of their similar differences to RNY gastric bypass. Yet, even though each uses restrictive as their primary tool and both are reserved for different people struggling with obesity, gastric banding and gastric sleeve are quite different from each other.

A comparison of gastric sleeve surgery verse gastric banding surgery is presented below for people looking to decipher the differences. Each of the weight-loss surgeries are low-risk, uncomplicated procedures aimed at helping individuals with BMIs of 30-40.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric Sleeve, otherwise known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy or known as longitudinal "vertical" gastrectomy, is a laparoscopic bariatric weight-loss surgery aiming at reducing the stomach size by stapling the stomach and removing a part of it leaving a banana shaped sleeve or tube from the stomach. Read More...

Gastric Banding (Lap-Band) Surgery

Often known and described by the brand names Lap-Band and Realize Band. Gastric Banding Surgery, also known as adjustable gastric banding, inserts an implant around the upper part of the stomach which helps reduce stomach capacity. The inserted band’s size can be modified by the surgeon by adjusting the amount of silicon or saline inside the band. This adjustment is easily done through the access part of the device that is usually placed under the skin of the patient’s abdomen and is connected to the gastric band with a connector tube. Read More...

Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Banding

Weight Loss Surgery	Gastric Sleeve	Gastric Banding
Type of Bariatric Surgery	Purely Restrictive Reduces Stomach Capacity and Hunger Hormones	Restrictive Limits Food Intake Slows Digestion
Changes to Stomach	Stomach size reduced Up to 85% of the stomach is removed, the stomach is stapled together vertically.	No Changes Smaller stomach capacity created by band placed around the upper portion of the stomach.
Changes to Small Intestine	No Changes	No Changes
Average Operating Time	1 to 3 Hours	One Hour
Average Hospital Stay	2 to 3 Days	One Day
Average Time off Work	2 weeks	One Week
Average Recovery Time	3 weeks	4 to 6 weeks
Advantages	Less Complications, Risks and Side Effects than Gastric Bypass Limits food cravings by reducing the hormone Ghrelin Digestive Track Stays the Same Does not cause Dumping syndrome as the pyloric valve is kept intact Few problematic foods High Expected Weight-Loss	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	Possible Leakage, Infection, Bleeding, and more. Permanent Newer procedure without long-term results Lacks major insurance coverage	Adjustable by physician only. Band slippage, erosion and leak possible. Lower expected weight-loss than RNY gastric bypass Requires diligent Exercise and Diet regimen to be truly effective Weight can be regained after use
Expected Weight Loss	Patients lose 60% to 70% of Excess Weight at about 2 Years	Patients lose about 60% of Excess Weight.