A Comparison of Gastric Banding, Gastric Bypass, and Sleeve Gastrectomy

Compare weight loss surgery options

The following information provides an overview of the differences between surgical weight loss options. Only you and your doctor can evaluate the benefits and risks of weight loss surgery and decide if it is an appropriate treatment option for you.

A comparison of gastric banding, gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy

REALIZE® Adjustable Gastric Band	Gastric Bypass	Sleeve Gastrectomy

Procedure description

REALIZE Adjustable Gastric Band	Gastric bypass	Sleeve gastrectomy
The REALIZE Adjustable Gastric Band wraps around the upper part of the stomach, dividing the stomach into a small upper pouch that holds about 1/2 cup of food and a larger lower stomach. The degree of band tightness affects how much food you can eat and the length of time it takes for food to leave the stomach pouch.More about Gastric Banding >	In this procedure, the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch and attaches a section of the small intestine directly to the pouch. This allows food to bypass a portion of the small intestine. More about Gastric Bypass >	During the sleeve gastrectomy procedure a thin vertical sleeve of stomach is created using a stapling device. The sleeve is about the size of a banana. The rest of the stomach is removed. More about Sleeve Gastrectomy >

How it works to help you lose weight

REALIZE Adjustable Gastric Band	Gastric bypass	Sleeve gastrectomy
By creating a smaller stomach pouch, the REALIZE Band limits the amount of food that can be eaten at one time, so you feel full sooner and stay full longer. As you eat less food, your body will stop storing excess calories and start using its fat energy supply.	By creating a smaller stomach pouch, a gastric bypass limits the amount of food that can be eaten at one time, so you feel full sooner and stay full longer. By bypassing a portion of the small intestine, it also causes your body to absorb fewer calories. As you eat less food, and absorb fewer calories, your body will stop storing excess calories and start using its fat supply for energy.	By creating a smaller stomach pouch, a sleeve gastrectomy limits the amount of food that can be eaten at one time, so you feel fuller sooner and stay fuller longer. As you eat less food, your body will stop storing excess calories and start using its fat supply for energy.

How it affects digestion

REALIZE Adjustable Gastric Band	Gastric bypass	Sleeve gastrectomy
Allows for normal digestion and absorption. Food passes through the digestive tract in the usual order, allowing it to be fully absorbed in the body.	Changes the body's normal digestive process to reduce the number of calories and nutrients that are absorbed.	Allows for normal digestion and absorption. Food passes through the digestive tract in the usual order, allowing it to be fully absorbed in the body.

Reversible

REALIZE Adjustable Gastric Band	Gastric bypass	Sleeve gastrectomy
Yes	No	No

Open or laparoscopic surgery

REALIZE Adjustable Gastric Band	Gastric bypass	Sleeve gastrectomy
Weight loss surgery can be performed using open surgery or laparascopic surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is considered to be minimally invasive because it's performed through small incisions. A laparoscopic procedure usually results in a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, smaller scars, and less pain than open surgical procedures. Most surgeons prefer the laparoscopic approach.

Total excess body weight lost

REALIZE Adjustable Gastric Band	Gastric bypass	Sleeve gastrectomy
43%1	61.6%9	33% to 83%12 with an average of 55%13

Type 2 diabetes resolved

REALIZE Adjustable Gastric Band	Gastric bypass	Sleeve gastrectomy
47.8%1	83.7%9	56% resolved; 37% improved36

High blood pressure resolved

REALIZE Adjustable Gastric Band	Gastric bypass	Sleeve gastrectomy
43.2%9	67.5%9	49%36

High cholesterol resolved

REALIZE Adjustable Gastric Band	Gastric bypass	Sleeve gastrectomy
78.3%9 In addition, patients in the U.S. clinical trial experienced a 22% increase in good cholesterol (HDL), 36 months after surgery.1	94.9%9	43% resolved; 38% improved36

Obstructive sleep apnea resolved

REALIZE Adjustable Gastric Band	Gastric bypass	Sleeve gastrectomy
94.6%9	80.4%9	60%36

Average costs

Actual out-of-pocket costs vary and depend on whether insurance covers the procedure.

REALIZE Adjustable Gastric Band	Gastric bypass	Sleeve gastrectomy
$10,000 to $17,000	$26,000 for open surgery and $17,000 for laparoscopic surgery.11	$26,000 for open surgery and $17,000 for laparoscopic surgery.11

A recent study showed that bariatric surgery pays for itself in about 2 years.¹¹ One important reason is that weight loss surgery may help to improve or resolve conditions associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol,⁹ so patients save money on related prescription drugs, doctor visits, and hospital visits.¹¹

Average surgery time

REALIZE Adjustable Gastric Band	Gastric bypass	Sleeve gastrectomy
30 minutes to 1 hour	1 to 2 hours	1.5 to 3.5 hours 14

Length of hospital stay

REALIZE Adjustable Gastric Band	Gastric bypass	Sleeve gastrectomy
1 to 2 days	2 days18	2 to 5 days14

Risks

REALIZE Adjustable Gastric Band	Gastric bypass	Sleeve gastrectomy
Read about the risks for gastric banding >	Read about the risks for gastric bypass >	Read about the risks for sleeve gastrectomy >

Effect on pregnancy

Most doctors recommend waiting at least 1 year after the surgery before beginning a pregnancy.

Eligibility for bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery has been shown to be more effective than traditional weight loss treatments such as diet and exercise for morbidly obese people.¹⁵ Despite the effectiveness of bariatric surgery, it is not for everyone. Find out if you're a candidate for surgery >

The best way to compare your weight loss surgery options

The best way to learn about the differences between weight loss surgeries is to attend a weight loss surgery information seminar, hosted by a REALIZE trained surgeon at a bariatric clinic that offers gastric banding, gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy. You'll learn about surgical options and you'll meet bariatric team members who will support you before and long after your surgery. You may also hear from patients who have had weight loss surgery. There's no pressure to make a commitment—and no better way to get the answers you're looking for. Of course, family and friends are welcome, too.

Use our seminar finder to locate a seminar in your area, and register to ensure that you have a seat because seminars often fill up.

Want to talk it over? We're ready to help. Call us at 1-855-2-REALIZE if you have questions or concerns or want help finding a seminar near you.