Lap-Band vs Gastric Sleeve: What’s The Right Choice For You?
Obesity increases your risk of hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders. While you may try weight loss programs in vain, all is not lost, as with bariatric surgery you can eliminate these risks and lead a healthier life. Let’s discuss lap band vs gastric sleeve surgeries for weight loss and what the right choice is for you.
Understanding Lap Band and Sleeve Surgeries
Lap band vs sleeve surgeries are options for obesity treatment to prevent chronic health problems. These procedures entail adjusting the stomach size to hold less food. The procedures vary in their technique, with a lap band procedure placing an inflatable band in the upper portion of the stomach, while the sleeve surgery removes up to 75% of the stomach.
The lap band surgery does not cut any part of your stomach, but you’ll need follow-up visits and diet restrictions for your overall weight loss success and health. Gastric sleeve surgery, on the other hand, reduces the amount of food your stomach can hold and triggers favorable changes in your gut hormones, suppressing hunger and reducing appetite. Your bariatrician will help you understand the difference between lap band and gastric sleeve surgery during your initial visit and recommend the right choice.
Which Treatment Is the Best for You
While lap band surgery vs. gastric sleeve have the same end goal, they feature some differences:
- Gastric sleeve has a higher BMI requirement than lap band
- Lap band surgery is reversible, unlike gastric sleeve surgery
- Gastric sleeve surgery is more effective in weight loss and disease improvements
- Unlike lap band surgery, gastric sleeve surgery helps in decreasing hunger and controlling blood sugars
- Lap band surgery features the least complications
- Sleeve surgery features fewer adjustments in the future compared to a lap band procedure, as the band can damage the stomach over time or move out of place
Other issues in lap band surgery vs. sleeve include acid reflux with the gastric sleeve, swallowing problems, and an enlarged esophagus in the lap band.
Do I Qualify for Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Like other NY bariatric procedures, the gastric sleeve surgery qualifications include:
- Having a BMI of 40 or more
- A BMI of 35 or more if you have weight-related health complications
- You’ve had several unsuccessful attempts in your weight loss journey despite professional supervision
Bottomline
Lap band and gastric sleeve surgeries are the most common weight loss procedures. By understanding the difference between lap band and gastric sleeve in NYC, and with the help of Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital, you will settle on the best procedure.