I'm 5'2" and weigh about 220lbs. I want to get to around 140-150 lbs. What would be the best option: sleeve or lap band?

At a height of 5'2" and a weight of approximately 220 pounds, your body mass index (BMI) is around 40.2, which meets the standard criteria for bariatric surgery. Given your goal of reaching 140 to 150 pounds—a weight loss of roughly 70 to 80 pounds—both the gastric sleeve and the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (lap band) are potential options. However, the gastric sleeve is generally considered the more effective and preferred procedure in current bariatric practice.
The sleeve gastrectomy involves removing a portion of the stomach to create a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. This not only limits the amount of food you can eat but also reduces hunger by affecting hormonal signals related to appetite. It is a permanent procedure and has been shown to lead to significant and sustained weight loss for many patients. Additionally, it tends to produce better outcomes in terms of resolving or improving obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.
In contrast, the lap band procedure involves placing an adjustable band around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch. While it is less invasive and reversible, it has fallen out of favor in many practices due to lower overall weight loss, higher rates of long-term complications, and a greater likelihood of requiring revision or removal.
For most patients with a BMI of 40 or higher, the gastric sleeve offers a more reliable and lasting solution, provided there is a commitment to the necessary lifestyle and dietary changes postoperatively. A consultation with a bariatric surgeon would allow for a more personalized evaluation, taking into account your medical history, weight loss goals, and any underlying conditions that may influence the best surgical choice for you.

Based on your height and weight, your BMI is 40.  The best way to lose weight is through good eating habits, healthy food choices and exercise, but at your BMI it will be difficult to achieve your weight loss goal alone.  The gastric sleeve is a surgical tool that can help you control your hunger and your portions and will help your metabolism, which will be a very strong "tool" to help you achieve that goal weight and maintain it in the long term. The adjustable gastric band helps to control your portions but it does not help your metabolism.  Both surgeries will work best when you commit to a healthy, active lifestyle.

When you are looking into weight loss surgery it is important you do some research and homework. There are many advantages that the sleeve has over the band and the results and weight loss (short and longterm) is also better with the sleeve. Here's a video with more info. I hope you find it useful. Dr. Alvarez

Hello, I hope you are well. Personally, I do not recomment lap bands. Based on the metrics you provided your calculate BMI would be 40. There are several factors that guide bariatrics surgeons into determining what type of bariatric procedure would be best for you. However, based only on youor BMI, a gastric sleeve would probably be a good fit for you. If you have comorbid conditions such as diabetes, you would possibly qualify for other procedures like a bypass of SADIs.