Comparing LAP-BAND® vs. Gastric Bypass

Gastric Band Surgery vs Gastric Bypass Surgery

While gastric band and gastric bypass surgeries can accomplish virtually the same weight loss goals, they differ in terms of effectiveness, cost, and lifestyle adjustments. Dr. Liza María Pompa González at LIMARP® in Tijuana, México , has stopped performing gastric band procedures to favor gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgeries, due to the fact that current expert consensus indicates that these two procedures are safer and more effective than the lap-band. In keeping with these guidelines, Dr. Pompa González can successfully remove prior lap-bands in patients who have not achieved their weight loss goals, and perform a more effective procedure. Nonetheless, Dr. Pompa González was one of the first surgeons in Mexico certified to place the LAP-BAND, but for reasons involving patient safety and benefits, it is surgery she no longer performs.

A Look at Gastric Band Surgery

Gastric band surgery involves surgically placing a tube around the stomach. There is no cutting or rearrangement of the digestive tract. A skin port is also inserted into the abdomen beneath the skin. Through this port the surgeon fills the tube. When the tube is inflated, the stomach is constricted to a smaller size. The more filling inserted, the tighter the constriction. Gastric band systems require periodic adjustments to maintain desired weight loss. LAP-BAND and REALIZE® are two types of gastric band systems, both were previously offered at LIMARP. The lap-band procedure is no longer performed at our center, because current expert consensus indicate that there are better, safer options for patients with obesity.

A Look at Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery has a two pronged approach in achieving weight loss. The surgeon removes part of the patient’s stomach, and the remaining portion is connected to the middle part of the small intestine. A smaller stomach leaves less room for food and what food you do eat bypasses part of the small intestine so that you absorb fewer calories.

It is a highly effective, low risk surgery, that has been proven to help patients improve or overcome obesity related health conditions such as type II diabetes and high blood pressure, while it improves risky and bothersome issues such as sleep apnea and joint pain, among others.

Key Comparisons

Below is information highlighting the key differences between these two procedures.


  • Weight loss methods: Both procedures make you feel full sooner. Additionally, bypass reduces mineral and fat absorption.
  • Weight loss and health improvement: Since gastric bypass involves reducing the stomach size and inhibiting the uptake of sugar and fat-based calories, this procedure delivers greater short- and long-term weight loss with faster results for an edge in delivering more potential health benefits.
  • Candidates: Both surgeries require patients have a BMI of 40, or one of 30 with weight-related health problems.
  • Recovery: Discomfort, time off from work, and total recovery time are about the same for each surgery.
  • Potential complications and side effects: Many complications and side effects, such as nausea and body changes, are the same. Bypass has a higher risk of short-term complications, and dumping Syndrome. Gastric band patients face higher risk of long-term complications; the port can dislodge and the band erode or become embedded, leak or shift.
  • Duration of procedure effects: Both surgeries require patients follow certain dietary guidelines. Additionally, LAP-BAND® and REALIZE require initial and ongoing adjustments that involve filling up the tube by your medical team. Gastric bypass requires patients to take supplements to counter nutritional deficiencies caused by malabsorption.
  • Cost: Due to the greater surgical skill required to perform the procedure, gastric bypass is more expensive.

Find out more

The gastric bypass is a surgery that can offer positive, life-changing results for patients looking to improve their health. Dr. Pompa has the experience to identify the surgery most suitable for your situation. Learn more by calling us toll-free from the US at (619) 270-8823, or leaving us a message online.

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