I had a friend visit me recently that had the gastric bypass surgery. She asked why I was choosing lapband and I told her I felt more comfortable going that route. I think it is truly a matter of personal choice and I support her decision 110%. She has lost over 100 lbs and looks marvelous! It got me thinking and I did a little "googling" and found some fun info on the internet. I found out a few things I didn't know before regarding lapband surgery. For example, it could take 2-3 years to reach goal weight. I think that is fair enough, since I took about 10 years to put it all on. :) I posted the information below in case someone else found this helpful. Whatever choice people make, I think it is important that we are supportive.



Lap-Band vs. Gastric Bypass Surgery
The most common type of weight loss surgery is gastric bypass surgery with over 30 years of use and impressive weight loss results. On the other hand, lap band surgery is a new and promising procedure that is growing in popularity due to it's comparable long term weight loss with less risk.
Many patients are interested in comparing gastric bypass surgery and lap band surgery. This chart can help give you a general overview of these two popular weight loss procedures, but it should not take the place of a consultation with your doctor to discuss your health and determine which procedure is the best fit for you.


Procedure
Lap-Band Surgery -LB (green)
Gastric Bypass -GB (red)

Approach to Weight Loss
Restrictive
Limits amount of food that can be eaten
Slows digestion
Creates satiety


Restrictive-Malabsorptive
Limits amount of food that can be eaten
Reduces absorption
Dumping Syndrome


Anatomy Changes
Stomach
Small (1-2 oz) stomach pouch created by placing an adjustable silicone band around top part of stomach


Stomach and Intestines
Stomach divided into an upper small (1 oz) pouch and a lower larger remnant pouch
Small intestine cut and rerouted


Dietary Guidelines

800 calories per day for first 2-3 years, then 1000-1200 calories per day
eat protein-rich foods
certain fibrous, dry, or doughy foods can get stuck if eaten
high carbohydrate and high calorie intake will defeat weight loss attempts
drink 6-8 cups of water a day between meals
avoid carbonated drinks


800 calories per day for first 1-2 years, then 1000-1200 calories per day
eat protein-rich foods
avoid intake of sugar and fats or Dumping Syndrome occurs
high carbohydrate and high calorie intake will defeat weight loss attempts

drink 6-8 cups of water per day between meals
avoid carbonated drinks


Eating Habits
eat 3 small meals a day
avoid snacking
no drinking with meals
eat slowly and chew food thoroughly


eat small amounts
avoid snacking
no drinking with meals
eat and drink slowly
chew food thoroughly


Nutritional Supplements
Multivitamin
Calcium


Multivitamin
Calcium
Vitamin B12
Iron (menstruating women)


Operating Time
1 hour


2 hours


Hospital Stay
less than 24 hrs - overnight


2-3 days


Time off Work
1 week


2-3 weeks


Recovery Time
Approximately 6 weeks


Approximately 3 months


Surgery Disadvantages
General surgical risks including infection
Possibility of band slippage, band erosion, or port problems
Requires more patient effort for weight loss
Stoma obstruction
Band needs fills and adjustments by doctor


Complex operation
Surgical risks including infection, leaks, and blood clots
Ulcers
Bowel obstruction
Reflux
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Dumping Syndrome


Surgery Mortality Rates
1 in 2000


1 in 200


Surgery Advantages
Simple and relatively safe procedure
Reversible
Adjustable
No removing or altering any part of the stomach or intestines
Short hospital stay
Quick recovery period
Low malnutrition risk
Low rate of major complications


Rapid weight loss in first 6 months
Greatly controls amount of food that can be eaten
Dumping Syndrome controls intake of sweets
Limits amount of calories absorbed by the body


Average Weight Loss
Slow and steady weight loss
Settles at final weight 3-4 years after surgery
40-50% weight loss after 1 year
55% weight loss after 5 years


Rapid weight loss first 6 months
Settles at final weight about 18-24 months after surgery
70% weight loss after 1 year
60% weight loss after 5 years