Gastric Banding Surgery

The Pros:

• Gastric banding is often a minimally invasive surgery performed with small incisions, a laparoscope (a tiny camera), and special instruments.

• There is no need to cut into the stomach or intestine, and recovery is usually faster than with gastric bypass surgery.

• The surgery can be reversed by surgically removing the band.

• The band can be tightened or loosened in the doctor's office to control weight loss and nutritional needs. To tighten the band, saline solution is injected into the band. To loosen it, the liquid is removed with a needle.

• Serious complications are uncommon. But gastric bands can slip out of place, become too loose, or leak. Should this occur, additional surgery may be necessary.

The Cons:

• Your weight loss may be less dramatic than with gastric bypass. The average loss is 40% to 50% of your excess weight, although not in everybody.

• You may regain some weight over the years. 

• This type of surgery has a higher rate of re-operation.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

The Pros:

• Weight loss is quick and dramatic. People lose an average of 60% to 80% of their excess body weight.

• Because weight loss is quick, weight-related health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, sleep apnea, and heartburn improve quickly.

• Most people are able to keep at least 50% of the excess weight off long term.

• Loss of stomach tissue results in a drop in the so-called "hunger hormone" (ghrelin), which helps control appetite.

The Cons:

• Gastric bypass surgery is riskier and is associated with more complications.

• The surgery may result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

• The surgery may result in dumping syndrome, which occurs when food moves too quickly through the stomach and intestines. Dumping syndrome can cause shaking, sweating, dizziness, nausea, and severe diarrhea.

• Gastric bypass is generally considered irreversible. The surgery permanently changes how your body digests food.