Another surgical option, the Gastric Sleeve, has gained popularity over the past few years as a weight loss option for combatting obesity. The gastric sleeve is a restrictive surgery that permanently reduces the size of the stomach by about 85 percent. The gastric sleeve is often followed by a gastric bypass or duodenal switch after the patient has lost a significant amount of weight. Called a “staged” approach to weight loss surgery, this makes the second procedure less risky than it would have been had it been the first and only procedure.

The timing of the second surgery varies according to the degree of weight loss. It usually occurs within six to 18 months. The gastric sleeve is increasingly being performed as a stand-alone procedure, but many times it is considered the first step in a two part process.

Let’s take a look at how Gastric Sleeve Surgery compares in cost, scope, and health risks to Lap Band Surgery. Pay close attention to the safety and effectiveness of each – we are certain that the safety statistics, the advantages, and the uniqueness of the Lap-Band® make it the most optimal solution for patients struggling with obesity. Here’s why:

Need help determining the best weight loss solution for you? Determine if you are a candidate for LapBand® Surgery.  Visit our LapBand® Surgery Discussion Forum to ask former patients about their own personal experiences.  Learn more about Dr Kuri and his surgical team.

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LAP-BAND® PROCEDURE

GASTRIC Sleeve PROCEDURE

Important Safety Statistics:

Important Safety Statistics:

• The procedure is routine and only takes approximately 25 minutes.

• The gastric sleeve procedure takes approximately 1 hour.

• The Band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to form a ring. It is locked and secured with minimal stitching.

• During sleeve gastrectomy, the surgeon will remove the larger, rounded part of the stomach from the body. (This is the only gastric surgery in which part of the stomach is taken out of the body.) The remaining stomach looks like a sleeve (or hose or tube) and holds about 15 percent as much food as the original stomach.

• Yes! One of the unique features of the Lap-Band is that it's reversible AND adjustable – it can be removed completely, or adjusted for the desired rate of weight loss.

• No, the gastric sleeve is permanent and not reversible.

• Patients are discharged the day after surgery and can return to work with no heavy lifting after just a few days.

• 2 nights in the hospital, 3 nights in a hotel.

• Patients recover faster and are able to resume normal activities sooner than other methods of weight loss surgery.

• After the surgery, patients usually incur intense pain, swelling, and discomfort which lasts a few weeks. Most patients can resume normal daily activities after one week.

• No

• Yes, as with any major surgery, there is a risk of blood clots, other complications or death.
• Complications can occur with the stapling, such as leaks or bleeding.
• You may need malabsorptive surgery – intestinal bypass or duodenal switch – in addition to your sleeve gastrectomy in order to lose all the weight you need and want to lose.
• The smaller portion of the stomach may stretch, causing weight gain.
• Gastric surgery puts you at higher than normal risk. of developing gallstones and gallbladder disease.

• Standard risks associated with major surgery.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Band slippage (minor revisional surgery).
• Band erosion (minor revisional surgery).
• Access port problems (minor revisional surgery).

• Standard risks associated with major surgery.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Separation of stapled areas (major revisionalsurgery).
• Leaks from staple lines (major revisional surgery).
• Nutritional deficiencies.

• Costs: $6,500 - $25,000 (Avg. $16,125.00)

• Costs: $7,500.00-$20,000.00 (average cost: $12,600)

• No stomach stapling or cutting, or intestinal re-routing.
• Adjustable
• Reversible
• Low malnutrition risk

• Promotes weight loss by restricting amount of food that can be eaten at any one time.
• Sleeve gastrectomy may be safer than gastric bypass for patients who have a number of health risks.
• It lowers the risk of ulcers compared to gastric bypass.
• Unlike gastric bypass, which changes stomach openings, sleeve gastrectomy leaves the openings intact. It does not involve any bypass of the intestinal tract and patients do not therefore suffer the complications of intestinal bypass such as intestinal obstruction, anemia, osteoporosis, vitamin deficiency and protein deficiency.
• Digestion system is not changed, and digestion goes on as normal.
• The surgery cuts away the part of the stomach that produces grehlin, a stomach hormone that stimulates hunger.
• Weight loss in the first 2 years is an average of 40-60 % of excess weight.
• Done laparoscopically ( keyhole surgery).

• Slower initial weight loss.
• Regular follow-up critical for optimal results.
• Requires an implanted medical device.
• In some cases, effectiveness can be reduced due to band slippage.
• In some cases, the access port may leak and require minor revisional surgery.

• Doctor will remove 2/3-3/4 of your stomach during surgery. 
• It is a permanent, non-reversible procedure.
• Cutting and stapling are used.
• Only restricts some solid food, and not liquid.

References:

• Surgery for Obesity - An effective surgical approach to permanent weight loss
• Banner Health - Banner Bariatric Centers
• Articles Base - The Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
• Bariatric Surgery Specialists - Gastric Sleeve (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy)
• Wikipedia.org - Adjustable Gastric Band
• WebMD.com - Gastric Banding Surgery (Video)