Two of the most popular weight loss surgeries performed today, the sleeve gastrectomy and lap band procedures seek to achieve the same goal, minimize the size of the stomach. How each procedure does this is unique.
Lap band surgery restricts food consumption by separating the stomach into two pouches. The stomach is not cut, but “separated” through the application of a gastric band. Food first enters a small upper pouch, which feels full more quickly. It then passes to the lower pouch where digestion occurs.
Sleeve gastrectomy resizes the stomach to about 25% of its current capacity at the time of surgery. This maintains a single “pouch” for food to fill and be digested and is therefore known to not only reduce appetite but stimulate changes in gut hormones that can help control blood sugar.
Lap band surgery and gastrectomy surgery are the two most common bariatric procedures for weight loss. In lap band surgery, the doctor carefully places an adjustable band around the top area of the stomach. This reduces the capacity of the stomach to hold food. The gastrectomy procedure is more comprehensive in that it removes more than 50 percent of the stomach, revising it to a small, sleeve-shaped organ. The goal is the same, but the approach is different.
Dr. Jacob performs both of these procedures and is very careful in his patient-selection process. He will determine the best weight loss procedure for you based on certain criteria. Generally, lap band surgery is performed in cases of BMI over 30 but not higher than 40. Gastrectomy, on the other hand, may be a better option for you if you've been diagnosed as morbidly obese, meaning that your BMI is over 40 and you have one or more health problems as a result.