Two Types of Surgical Procedures
Lap-band
Surgery
Lap-Band surgery limits food intake with minimum interference with the normal digestive process. By wrapping a silicone band around the upper part of the stomach, the surgeon is able to create a small upper stomach pouch that is connected to the lower stomach through a narrowing created by the band itself. The band restricts the amount of food that can be consumed in a single meal. Food passes slowly from the upper to the lower stomach region and creates a fuller feeling longer. The Lap-Band can be easily adjusted after surgery according to how much weight the patient is losing.
Advantages
• Gastric banding is the safest form of weight-loss surgery and has a rapid recovery time.
• Patients lose from 50% to 65% of excess body weight over the first two years
• There is no cutting of the stomach or intestines so there is no risk of intestinal leak, dumping syndrome or food intolerance.
• All nutrients are absorbed as usual so there are less strict requirements for daily vitamin or mineral supplements.
• Existing obesity-related health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea, improve.
• The band tightened, loosened or removed all together as needed.
• Surgery takes only about one hour to perform and requires only an overnight hospital stay.
Disadvantages
• Patients need to re-learn how to eat – portion control, types of foods, etc.
• The band will need to be adjusted every six to eight weeks to ensure significant long-term weight-loss. Patients need to commit to a schedule of follow-up visits for adjustments.
• There is a small risk of slippage of the band requiring another surgery to reposition it.
• The tube may kink or twist, requiring minor surgery.
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Pronounced “Roo-en-why,” Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery restricts food intake by creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach. The pouch is then connected to a section of the small intestine, allowing food to bypass the lower stomach and the first two parts of the small intestine. Most gastric bypasses are performed using laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed through very small incisions in the abdomen.
Advantages
• From 50% to 80% of excess body weight is lost within two years.
• Existing obesity-related health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea, improve.
• It can be performed laparoscopically.
• Recovery time is short: typically 2 to 3 days in the hospital, and depending on individual factors, 10 -14 days to return to full activity
Disadvantages
• In a Roux-en-Y surgery, the stomach and intestines are cut and then reconnected using staples and stitches. If they don't heal or tear, serious complications can occur.
• Scar tissue or intestinal twisting can lead to intestinal blockage.
• Food bypasses some of the small intestine, the part of the body responsible for absorbing protein, calcium and certain vitamins. Less iron absorption also occurs. Patients must take daily vitamin and mineral supplements for the rest of their lives. Blood tests must be performed frequently during the first year to check nutritional status.
