Gastric Bypass Vs. Gastric Band - How to Choose?

My spouse weighs approx. 500lb and it's hard for her to exercise to get the weight off, so we're looking into weight loss surgery to help. What should we consider when choosing between gastric banding and gastric bypass? I'm concerned that gastric bypass is too drastic and permanent but she thinks the results are more dramatic. Thank you!

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by anon

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Gastric Bypass vs Lap Band

These are two completely different operations. The gastric bypass procedure is a restrictive and malabsorptive operation. With the proper nutritional counseling and behavior modification, you can get close to your ideal body weight. This operation can be performed and has excellent results in patients with a BMI >45 and those who have a metabolic condition such as diabetes. This operation can place diabetes in remission in almost 85 - 90 percent of cases and/or significantly decrease the... more

Choice of operation for high BMI patient

I would recommend neither gastric bypass nor gastric band for a patient with a BMI above 60. Weight loss after gastric banding is unreliable at best; some patients don't lose weight at all. A patient in this high-risk category needs an operation which won't fail. Gastric bypass gives reasonable initial weight loss, but many patients in the high BMI category don't lose enough weight, or regain after a few years. Such patients should consider a more... more

Gastric Bypass vs. Lapband

The decision is a personal choice. Gastric bypass has greater risk at the initial operation. It is important to discuss the risks, benefits, and results of both before making a decision. Shawn Garber, MD FACS The New York Bariatric Group see video