There are several types of weight loss surgery, including adjustable gastric banding, or lap band, and vertical sleeve gastrectomy, sometimes referred to as a "sleeve." Both types of surgery have advantages and disadvantages.
Lap Band
In lap band surgery, the surgeon places an adjustable band around the patient's stomach. This restricts the amount of food the patient can eat.
Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
In a vertical sleeve gastrectomy, the surgeon removes about 85 percent of the stomach, leaving behind a narrow "sleeve." This restricts the amount of food the patient can eat. The surgeon removes the part of the stomach that produces the hormone ghrelin, which simulates hunger, thereby reducing the appetite.
Expected Weight Loss
Patients can expect to lose about 55 percent of their excess body weight with the lap band. Patients can expect to lose 70 to 80 percent of their excess weight with the sleeve.
Risks
Risks associated with the lap band include erosion of the stomach, slipping of the band, infection, mechanical failure of the band (such as a leak, causing the band to deflate) and failure to lose the desired amount of weight. Risks associated with the sleeve include a leak at the staple line, postoperative nausea and regaining weight.
Payment Issues
According to the Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery in 2010, lap band surgery costs $12,000 to $25,000, depending on where the procedure is performed. Most insurance companies cover the lap band. The sleeve also costs more than $10,000 but many insurance companies do not cover it because it is still considered experimental.
