Is the LAP-BAND® procedure as effective as the gastric bypass for weight reduction?
Yes. Both procedures are successful is achieving significant weight loss in obese patients. The LAP-BAND® will result in gradual weight reduction until the target weight is achieved, whereas the gastric bypass results in more rapid early weight reduction. At the two year interval, both procedures achieve comparable overall weight loss; they differ primarily in the rate at which that weight loss is achieved. In 2008, more LAP-BAND® procedures were performed than gastric bypass procedures. The advantages of the LAP-BAND® procedure are: a) It is less invasive; laparoscopic, with no incisions on the stomach or bowel; b) It is a day surgery procedure; c) It has less complications; d) It is adjustable; e) It is reversible.
