Deciding on which weight loss (bariatric) surgery to pursue can be quite a di 00004000 lemma. Most of the time your physician will help guide you through the process of choosing the right surgery. The two most popular weight loss surgeries are Lap-Band surgery and Gastric Bypass surgery. The Lap-Band surgery is the proprietary name of a specific adjustable gastric banding implant. Because adjustable gastric banding uses implants different companies offer their own proprietary implants. But most implants are very similar in function and size.
One of key differences and defining characteristics of Lap-Band surgery is that it uses an implant to effectively lose weight. This implant can be removed at any time, which makes this surgery completely reversible. Also the incision to install the implant is small, so overall the surgery has lower commitments.
Gastric Bypass surgery is quite more invasive, the surgery instead of using an implant, makes the stomach smaller. This smaller stomach (usually two ounces) allows food to bypass part of the small intestine. This typically makes you feel fuller more quickly, and with lower calories consumed you will lose weight.
BecauseGastric Bypass is a more 'powerful' surgery many physicians require a body mass index of 35-55. While LapBand surgery is typically ideal for people for lower BMIs. LapBand is also a more long term weight loss approach. LapBand surgery is usually accompanied by a strict diet and solid commit to an exercise program. LapBand also requires patients who are commited to the weight loss, with the willpower to refrain from eating a lot of non-nutritious foods.
Gastric Bypass is also more costly than LapBand surgery. In the United States Lap-Band surgery can cost you $8,000 to $15,000; where Gastric Bypass can cost $15,000-$30,000. In Mexico, LapBand surgery costs significantly less still than Gastric Bypass.
