The lap band is quickly growing in popularity and demand throughout the United States for many reasons, including:

• relative ease of placement,
• reversibility,
• affordability, and
• the perception that it's safer than many other procedures.

The lap band is an affordable and effective alternative to more costly procedures such as the laparoscopic gastric bypass. Although relatively new in the United States, it has obtained good results for patients in Australia, Europe and Mexico. According to a 2004 bariatrics article in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the procedure's many advantages include:

• 47.9% of Type 2 diabetes cases are resolved.
• Significant improvements in overall cholesterol levels (including an increase in HDL levels).
• 70.8% of hypertension cases are resolved or improved.
• Loss of an average of 47% in excess body weight. (According to studies of over 3,000 patients the weight loss ranged from 28% to 87%, with a minimum of two-year, post-operative follow-up.)
• Band can be adjusted more tightly or less tightly through the access port (no more surgery) to help attain the proper weight-loss goals.
• Procedure can be reversed.

Educational videos:

• ONLINE PAY PER VIEW: PreOp - Banded Gastric Bypass

 

Which procedure is best for you is a decision you, your surgeon and your primary care physician should make together. Work closely with your healthcare team. Be an informed patient - your health depends on it.

	Lap Band	Lap Gastric Bypass
Insurance coverage (if weight-loss surgery is covered benefit)	Sometimes	Always
Out-of-pocket cost if not covered by insurance	$13,000 to $18,000	$18,000 to $25,000
Reversibility	Complete with >90% weight regain	Incomplete
Mortality rate (varies by surgeon and individual patient)	<0.5%	<0.5%
Leak rate	<0.5%	<1%
Re-operation rate	10% to 50%	2% to 6%
Lifestyle impairment	Significant	Mild
Appetite suppression	Mild	Significant
Follow-up requirements	Vigorous; every 2 months for 1st year	More spaced out & less intense

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