Gastric Sleeve or Lap Band Surgery?

Deciding to lose weight to live a healthier life is perhaps the most important decision of our lives. There is evidence that those who had surgery to lose weight live longer, healthier, happier and are more likely to avoid problems related to obesity. However, not all procedures are the same, there are pros and cons to all.

Two of the most frequent are the gastric sleeve and lap band surgery. Previously many people went for the lap band. After all, it is a reversible procedure. However this is rapidly changing and the reason is simple: the gastric sleeve is safer and less invasive than other methods such as gastric bypass, and yet it is far more effective than lap band surgery to make the patient lose weight.

A study published by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery found that patients who had gastric sleeve surgery experienced a reduction of about 30 percent on their Body Mass Index (BMI) after a year, while those who had the gastric band operation experienced a reduction of only 20 percent.

Gastric sleeve surgery works by removing part of the stomach and the Ghrelin hormone, which is what makes us hungry. This results in making us feel full with 1 to 3 ounces of food, causing a reduction of between 50 and 80% of excess weight in 2 years.

In Hispano Americano Hospital in Mexicali, Mexico, we perform gastric sleeve surgery using the innovative technique of laparoscopy, which is far less invasive than open surgery. This ensures less patient discomfort and a faster recovery.

Dr. Rafael Abril, board certified bariatric surgeon and one of the chief surgeons in Hispano Americano Hospital, explained that "many patients have requested to be removed of their lap-band or transform their procedure to another surgery like gastric sleeve or gastric bypass; what we want is to offer them the best option to resume a healthy life. "

If you're not happy with your lap-band procedure, contact us at hispanohospital.com or call us toll free at 888-698-2244 to speak with our experts. We are confident that we will find the best option for you.