How does the gastric band compare with the gastric bypass or the sleeve gastrectomy?
Patient’s tend to lose weight more rapidly with gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, but there is no way of controlling this rate. The risk of serious complications and death is much higher (ten times higher in fact) with these procedures, and they are not reversible. Whilst the weight loss is safer and more gradual with gastric banding, the overall amount of weight shed still appears to be the same in a number of studies that look beyond 5 years. Improvement in associated medical problems and quality of life are also equal. That is why gastric banding is our preferred procedure at OClinic- permanent weight control the safe way.
