Lap band vs sleeve gastrectomy and its cost

Lap Band VS. Sleeve Gastrectomy and Its Cost

Types One of the most common weight loss operations is gastric-band surgery, also known as lap band surgery. Gastric sleeve surgery, which was first used in 2002, is also growing in popularity but is mainly used as a preliminary surgery for patients deemed too unhealthy for other bariatric surgeries, with a second operation, usually a gastric bypass, to follow.

Function Gastric sleeve surgery involves the removal of 60 percent of the stomach, resulting in a sleeve-like appearance. Gastric band surgery connects a balloon to a band around the upper section of the stomach. When the balloon inflates, the band tightens, restricting the amount of food that reaches the stomach.

Cost Gastric band surgery typically costs anywhere from $14,000 to $18,000, while gastric sleeve surgeries are around $10,000 each.

Risks Gastric band surgery comes with several potential problems, such as the band moving or slipping after the surgery, requiring a follow-up procedure. Dangers involved with the gastric sleeve procedure include bleeding, pneumonia or infection.

Considerations Gastric sleeve surgery is likely to result in about 40 to 60 percent of excess weight being lost in the first two years, and up to 50-80 percent if gastric bypass surgery follows. Lap band surgery typically results in about a 40 to 50 percent excess weight lost.

Source:

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5708143_gastric-sleeve-vs_lap-band.html

Images:

http://www.lapbandbrisbane.com.au