Which type of weight loss surgery is right for me?

Compare bariatric procedures to help you better understand your options

The field of bariatric surgery has come a long way in recent years. When performed by an experienced, qualified bariatric surgeon, today’s techniques are safer, less invasive, and more effective than ever, and you have a number of options to consider as a patient. This chart will help you understand the similarities and differences between the various options.

	Gastric Bypass	Gastric Sleeve	Adjustable Gastric Band
Procedure Type:	Inpatient Surgery, General Anesthesia	Inpatient Surgery, General Anesthesia	Inpatient or Outpatient Surgery, General Anesthesia
Recommended for:	BMI ≤35	BMI ≤35	BMI ≤30
How it works:	Stomach is surgically reduced to a small pouch; upper intestine rerouted to reduce nutrient intake	Stomach is surgically reduced to a small pouch; intestines unaffected	Adjustable band device is placed around stomach to restrict capacity
Recovery	3 to 5 day hospital stay; back to work in 3 to 5 weeks; exercise in 6 to 8 weeks	1 to 3 day hospital stay; back to work in 2 to 3 weeks; exercise in 4 to 6 weeks	Possible overnight hospital stay; back to work in 1 week; exercise in 4 to 6 weeks
Results:	Restricts food intake & reduces nutrient absorption; achieves very rapid, significant weight loss (up to 6 lbs/week for first 6 months)	Restricts food intake, does not reduce nutrient absorption; achieves rapid, significant weight loss (up to 80% of excess weight in 1 year)	Restricts food intake, does not reduce nutrient absorption, achieves rapid, moderate weight loss (up to 65% of excess weight in 1 year)
Pros:	Long-term effectiveness proven by years of research; achieves greater weight loss than gastric band; no implant; shown to more effectively reduce obesity-related diabetes, sleep apnea & other conditions compared to other procedures	No nutrient malabsorption; greater weight loss potential than gastric band; no implant; improves obesity-related diabetes, sleep apnea & other conditions	No permanent change to stomach; adjustable for controlled weight loss; reversible; achieves steady weight loss: improves obesity-related diabetes, sleep apnea & other conditions
Cons:	Patients must take vitamin supplements for life; longer recovery compared to gastric sleeve or band; irreversible changes to stomach and intestines	Less research data available on long-term effectiveness; less dramatic weight loss than bypass; irreversible changes to stomach	Lower weight loss potential than gastric sleeve or bypass procedures; regular adjustments required
Possible risks include:	Nutrient deficiency, dumping syndrome, possible gastric leakage, sagging skin from rapid weight loss	Nutrient deficiency, possible staple line leakage, sagging skin from rapid weight loss	Band slippage or leakage requiring another surgery

	Duodenal Switch	Gastric Balloon
Procedure Type:	Inpatient Surgery, general anesthesia	Non-surgical, sedation anesthetic
Recommended for:	BMI ≤40	BMI 30 to 40
How it works:	Stomach is surgically reduced to a small pouch; upper intestine rerouted to connect stomach to the intestinal tract at a lower point; gall bladder is also removed in some cases	A biocompatible, FDA approved device is inserted through the mouth into the stomach and inflated to fill space; balloon is removed after 6 months
Recovery:	2 to 3 day hospital stay; back to work in 2 to 3 weeks; back to exercise in 4 to 6 weeks	Back to work and exercise in 3 to 5 days
Results:	Restricts food intake, reduces appetite and lowers nutrient absorption, achieves very rapid, significant weight loss (average 70% excess weight lost in 1 year)	Reduces food intake and helps patients feel full longer by reduce space inside the stomach;  achieves 20 to 50 lbs. weight loss
Pros:	Lower rate of weight regain compared to other procedures, permanently reduces stomach volume; improves or eliminates obesity-related diabetes, sleep apnea & other conditions	Reduces hunger and food intake without surgery; provides temporary solution for significant weight loss; avoids risks associated with surgery
Cons:	Complex surgery that requires experienced specialist; longer recovery compared to gastric sleeve or band; irreversible changes to stomach and intestines; patients must take vitamin supplements for life	Temporary; appetite will return to previous level after balloon is removed; not recommended for severely obese patients
Possible risks include:	General anesthesia risks, staple line leaks , intestinal perforation or strictures (rare), gallstone formation, increased risk of bone fractures	Balloon deflation; nausea and vomiting; stomach pain for several days after procedure