Weight loss
surgery can be a great option to consider for those who are suffering health risks due to obesity and have difficulty losing weight. There are generally two options for weight loss surgery: the gastric bypass and the Lap-Band. Each have their pros and cons that patients should weigh carefully with their healthcare provider.
Procedure
Gastric bypass is a complex surgery that involves surgically altering multiple parts of the digestive tract. The Lap-Band is far less invasive, installing an adjustable silicone ring around the stomach. It does not permanently alter the organs and can be removed if necessary.
Recovery
Gastric bypass surgery involves general anesthesia, usually taking approximately four hours. It requires three to five days hospital stay. Lap-Band surgery also involves general anesthesia, usually taking about 75 minutes, and generally requires a three-day hospital stay.
Risks
Gastric bypass risks include rapid weight loss, sagging skin, bowel blockage, bowel contents leaking into the abdomen, loss of muscle mass, mal-absorption of nutrients, intolerance to carbohydrates and sugar, and the surgery has a 2 percent mortality rate. Lap-Band risks include band slippage, erosion in which the band works into the stomach, pouch enlargement, and the surgery has a .05 percent morality rate. Both surgeries carry the risk of infection, nausea, vomiting, development of food intolerance and the loss of muscle mass.
Results
Both surgeries can result in significant weight loss, and help resolve or reverse high blood pressure or cholesterol, asthma, respiratory problems, sleep apnea, acid reflux, heartburn, lower back pain and degenerative disc disease. Gastric bypass has more success in resolving or reversing heart disease, diabetes and urinary incontinence.
Considerations
Gastric bypass results in a faster weight loss, while Lap-Band weight loss is more gradual so the skin adjusts better and sags less. Lap-Band is safer for women expecting to become pregnant as the band can be adjusted so food intake can increase, and eliminates the risk of birth defects associated with gastric bypass due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
