The bariatric program at Saint Elizabeth offers three different weight-loss surgery options: Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass, Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, and the Lap-band® (adjustable gastric band). All three are restrictive, which means they reduce the size of the stomach to decrease food intake. The gastric bypass is a malabsorptive procedure, which means part of the small intestine is bypassed to decrease calories absorbed from foods eaten. This is called a combination surgery since it is both a restrictive and malabsorptive procedure.

Here’s a summary of the three surgeries and some key differences:

Type

Restrictive

Restrictive

Combination

Name of Surgery

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Lap-band® Procedure (adjustable gastric band)

Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

Description

Removal of majority of the stomach, leaving a stapled, sleeve-shaped stomach holding 4-6 ounces.

Placement of adjustable band around top of stomach, creating 1-2 ounce upper pouch. Food passes through band into main stomach.

Creates 1-2 ounce stapled stomach pouch. Bypasses the rest of the stomach plus a section of small intestine.

Average excess

70-80%

40-50%

75-85%

Side effects

Vomiting if too much eaten too quickly

Food blockage or vomiting if too much eaten too quickly

Vomiting, possible food blockage

Insurance coverage

Many plans consider it experimental and will not cover

BMI over 40, or 35-40 with medical problems

BMI over 40, or 35-40 with medical problems