Lap Band Vs. Roux-En-Y

Gastric bypass--Roux-en-Y--and Lap-Band are two common forms of weight-loss surgery. The right form of surgery for you depends on a number of factors, including how comfortable you are with rerouting your digestive tract, or whether you are experiencing any other conditions related to obesity.

Qualifications

• To be eligible for both forms of surgery, a patient must have a body mass index of over 40, or over 35 with other co-morbidities, such as Type 2 diabetes. Patients must also have been obese for at least five years and have a demonstrated failure to lose weight through other methods.

Methodology

• Gastric bypass involves rerouting the digestive tract, which limits the amount of food the patient can eat and reduces the amount of nutrients and calories absorbed. Lap-Band surgery uses a medical device to create a small pouch at the top of the stomach. As a result, the patient feels fuller sooner and eats less food.

Effectiveness

• Gastric bypass results in initial rapid weight loss and is also more effective at treating co-morbidities. Lap-Band results in slower weight loss and requires many follow-up visits to adjust the band.

Risks and Side Effects

• Side effects of gastric bypass include nutritional deficiencies, nausea and vomiting, bloating, fatigue, and dizziness. Lap-Band surgery is associated with fewer side effects, but patients may also experience nausea and vomiting and in some cases, the band itself may slip.

Recovery

• Gastric bypass patients can expect to be hospitalized for several days following surgery and will need to follow a strict diet for several weeks. Lap-Band surgery offers faster recovery times, with many patients returning to work after just one week.