Despite the common goal of long-term weight loss between gastric bypass vs lap band, both types of bariatric surgery procedures are significantly different. The most notable difference between the surgical weight loss options is that gastric bypass is a more invasive surgery that reroutes your digestive tract to reduce food intake and absorption of calories (nutrients).
In contrast, lap band surgery is a purely restrictive procedure that doesn’t surgically alter your digestive tract. Instead, the lap band procedure promotes weight loss by wrapping an inflatable gastric band around the top part of your stomach, which creates a small pouch (1-2 oz).
Difference Between Gastric Bypass vs Lap Band
Although both procedures are highly effective at achieving weight loss, gastric bypass remains the most commonly performed type of bariatric surgery worldwide. About 160,000 gastric bypass surgeries are performed each year in the United States, alone.
The following chart provides a side-by-side comparison between the two procedures.
RNY Gastric Bypass | Gastric Lap Band | |
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Surgical Risk | Moderate | Low |
Rate of Weight Loss | Rapid | Slow and steady |
Average Weight Loss | 60-85% of excess body weight within 12-18 months | 40% of excess body weight over 24+ months |
Operating Time | 1-2 hours | 1-2 hours |
Recovery Time | 9-12 weeks | 2 weeks |
Hospital Stay | 3 nights | Less than 24 hrs |
Time off Work | 2-3 weeks | 1 week |
Reversible | Yes | Yes |
Medical Implant | No | Yes |
How it Promotes Weight Loss |
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Change to Intestine |
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Change to Stomach |
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Bariatric Diet, Dietary Guidelines |
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New Eating Habits After Bariatric Surgery |
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Bariatric Vitamins, Minerals & Nutritional Supplements |
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Pros, Benefits, Advantages of Weight Loss Surgery |
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Cons, Risks, Disadvantages of Weight Loss Surgery |
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Am I a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery? |
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Bariatric Surgery Method | Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery | Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery |
Learn More About Different Types of Bariatric Surgery | Types of Bariatric Surgery | Types of Bariatric Surgery |
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric Bypass Surgery not only helps patients lose more weight compared to lap band, but is also beneficial in resolving many obesity-related medical conditions. Patients who choose gastric bypass vs lap band surgery can lose 70% of their excess body weight within 12-18 months.
Lap Band Surgery
Lap Band Surgery, or Gastric Banding requires routine follow up for band adjustments compared to gastric bypass. Patients who choose lap band vs gastric bypass typically lose 40% of excess body weight gradually over time.
Compare Differences Between Types of Bariatric Surgery