Gastric Sleeve vs. Lap-Band Surgery
Obesity and excess weight can affect one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Bariatric surgery effectively reduces weight, but deciding between the two most common forms – gastric sleeve vs. Lap-Band surgery – requires careful consideration.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery (known as Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) is a type of bariatric surgery that reduces the size of the stomach and restricts the amount of food you can consume. This procedure removes more than half of a patient’s stomach, leaving behind a narrow sleeve-like structure. Post-op diet and nutrition plans are typically lower-calorie and nutrient-rich, helping to reduce hunger cravings.
Read more: Diet After Gastric Sleeve Surgery.
In comparison, Lap-Band surgery involves placing a band around the top of the stomach. This creates a small pouch that is separated from the rest of the stomach. The band helps control how much food can be eaten and absorbed by regulating the opening size between the pouch and the lower part of the stomach.
We will explain each of these surgeries in more detail and the associated advantages and disadvantages.
What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery or sleeve gastrectomy, or vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), is a procedure in which the stomach is partially removed and re-shaped into a narrow tube. This bariatric procedure reduces the size of the stomach to about 15% of its original size. Gastric sleeve surgery removes a part of the stomach, which helps the patient feel full sooner and eat less. After the surgery, patients must follow a strict diet and exercise routine to ensure successful weight loss.
Benefits of Choosing Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery is a good choice for those looking to lose weight and maintain long-term weight loss. It has the following benefits:
• Low complication rate — Gastric sleeve surgery carries a low risk of complications, making it an appealing option for many patients.
• Reduced appetite — The reduced size of the stomach limits how much food a patient can eat, leading to fewer cravings.
• No foreign objects — Unlike with Lap-Band surgery, no foreign objects are placed in the body with gastric sleeve surgery.
• Long-term success — Gastric sleeve surgery successfully provides long-term weight loss.
What Is Lap-Band Surgery?
Lap-band surgery, also known as gastric banding or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), is a procedure in which an adjustable silicone band is placed around the top of the stomach to create a small pouch. This pouch restricts the amount of food consumed, leading to weight loss. The band also slows down digestion, allowing patients to feel full longer.
Benefits of Choosing Lap-Band Surgery
Lap-band surgery is a good choice for those looking to lose weight and maintain long-term weight loss. It has the following benefits:
– Lap-band surgery is a minimally invasive procedure. It involves placing an inflatable silicone band around the stomach’s top, making it easier to eat less and feel fuller faster.
– The lap band can be adjusted over time, allowing for gradual weight loss rather than drastic changes at once. This helps reduce the chance of long-term weight gain and improves overall success.
– Lap-band surgery is reversible, allowing you to return to your original weight if desired. It also has fewer risks than other weight loss surgeries, such as gastric bypass.
Call Ascension Saint Agnes for the best gastric sleeve surgery in Maryland. Our team of world-class bariatrics surgeon in Maryland provides a comprehensive guide to gastric sleeve versus lap-band surgery.