What is the Difference and what is the best option for me?
Because of their success rate in aiding weight-loss and their relative simplicity, most obese patients who consider undergoing bariatric surgery as a treatment for their obesity are often torn between these two procedures; the gastric band and the gastric bypass.
If you are struggling to lose weight and you’re tired of endless dieting, commercial weight-loss programs (magic pills) and all the other usual methods; maybe it is time you considered weight loss surgery. Your health will thank you.
If this is you, this information may help you decide what kind of surgery will work best for you or if you may need to consider other weight loss procedures.
The Gastric Bypass
This procedure basically involves removing (stapling) a large part of the stomach and creating a smaller pouch which will only be able to hold in small portions of food at a time. This means that after this procedure, you will have to eat smaller portions of food because your stomach have been altered to accommodate less food.
Less nutrients and calories will also be absorbed into the body because the food you eat will bypass a larger portion of your stomach and smalle intestines.
Advantages
One advantage of the gastric bypass surpasses the gastric band; it usually causes a very quick and substantial weight-loss. Compared to other bariatric procedures like the sleeve gastrectomy and the duodenal switch, the gastric bypass is also minimally invasive. It is ideal for moderately and severely obese patients who wish to have a permanent solution for their obesity.
Disadvantages
This procedure has its drawbacks. Once it is done, it is almost impossible to reverse. It is also a lot more invasive and this makes it more prone to complications (although very unlikely) compared to the gastric band. It may also not be very ideal for women who would wish to get pregnant after the surgery.
The Adjustable Gastric Band (AGB)
This weight-loss procedure involves putting an adjustable band around the upper portion of your stomach in order to create a smaller stomach pouch. The aim of this procedure is to reduce the amount of food consumed at a time as well as increase the length of time it takes for you to feel hungry.
This means that you get to eat less, feel full after eating only a little portion of food and eat less often because of the slow digestion. Because of this, the gastric band surgery is usually very effective in achieving a sustained weight-loss.
Advantages
The gastric band is the simplest and the least invasive form of bariatric surgery. Unlike the gastric bypass, the intestines are neither cut nor stapled. It is also reversible as the band can be removed without any complications. It is therefore the best option for obese patients who want a temporary or reversible solution.
Disadvantages
Although the gastric band is reversible and less invasive, the weight is lost very slowly initially compared to those patients who choose gastric bypass. Another disadvantage is that if the band slides off (which is very rare), the procedure might not be very effective.
If a patient chooses to have the band removed, their stomachs becomes normal and they are likely to regain the weight lost.
Recovery Time
Gastric band: Because of its non-invasive nature, the gastric band surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure. Some people may opt to stay overnight. Recovery time is around a week. Within two weeks after the surgery, recovery will be complete and you can return to work.
Gastric bypass: Since this procedure is a little bit more invasive, you may have to stay two or three nights in the hospital. Don’t worry, if you choose Advanced BMI, we’ll take very good care of you. Recovery time usually takes longer but you will be able to get back to work within two or four weeks at most.
Long-term Weight-loss
Although patients who choose the gastric bypass surgery tend to lose more weight compared to patients who choose gastric band within the first year after surgery, the weight loss achieved over a longer period of time is almost the same regardless of the procedure chosen. Both procedures have unique advantages and disadvantages that are ideal for different people depending on their needs. In the end, the best weight-loss option will be up to individual patients.
If you’re finding it difficult making a choice between the gastric band and the gastric bypass or any of the other bariatric procedures, feel free to contact us anytime. We will be happy to help.
