Lap Band® vs. gastric bypass

The Lap Band® procedure and gastric bypass are the two most commonly performed types of weight loss surgery. Gastric bypass surgery involves using staples to divide the stomach into two parts. The division creates a small pouch at the top that is sealed off from the rest of the stomach below. A loop of small intestine is then connected to the small pouch so food can exit. The Lap Band® procedure also creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach but does so with the use of an adjustable band. Unlike with gastric bypass surgery, in the Lap Band® procedure, the small pouch is not completely sealed off from the rest of the stomach below and food can pass through. Thus, in the Lap Band® procedure, the small intestine does not need to be surgically attached to the stomach. There are benefits and risks associated with each procedure and only your doctor can decide which type of weight loss surgery is right for you. For more detailed information on both gastric bypass and the Lap Band®, please click on the links below. If you have attempted to lose weight through diet and exercise, but have been unsuccessful, then weight loss surgery may be an option for you. Please remember weight loss surgery is a complicated procedure that is associated with certain risks, but also has been proven to result in health benefits. There are four possible weight loss procedures:

Is weight-loss surgery right for me?

Because weight loss surgery is a complicated procedure that carries certain risks, it is not for everyone who is seeking to lose weight. Candidates usually must meet specific requirements:

  • Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater.
  • Have a BMI of 35-39 and a serious health problem* that is caused or complicated by your weight.
Calculate Your BMI

*Potential health problems include: Diabetes, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, Obstructive Sleep Apnea

What is a Center of Excellence®?

As with any medical procedure, you want to be assured that the doctor in charge of your care knows what they are doing. Gastricsurgeon.com uses the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery's "Center of Excellence" distinction to ensure that the doctors we recommend are thoroughly qualified in and experienced with bariatric surgery. These surgeons practice at facilities that recognize and accommodate the needs of bariatric patients with specially designed hospital equipment, furniture, and instruments. Together, they receive the Society’s Center of Excellence recognition.

In order to receive this honor, the institutions and doctors must pass an extensive and rigorous review process that includes an on-site inspection, personal interviews, chart reviews, and evaluation of quality of care. Surgeons must perform a minimum of 50 of these surgeries a year, and facilities must demonstrate high rates of success. “Success” is determined by a combination of low mortality rates (<1%), low re-operative rates (<2.5%), and low re-admissions from complications (<5%). In other words, they must meet extremely high standards in quality of care.

Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence® is a registered trademark of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). GastricSurgeon.com is not affiliated with the ASMBS.

Lap band® is a registered trademark of Allergan, Inc, the makers of Natrelle breast augmentation.

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