Today, there are a number of surgical options available to help in the treatment of obesity, including the Gastric Bypass and the Lap Band.  Some of the procedures are restrictive, meaning that they restrict the amount of food that the stomach can hold, while others achieve their effect with malabsorption (where the body's absorption of nutrients and calories are limited).  Both the Gastric Bypass and the Lap Band surgeries have proven to be quite effective, but one is much more invasive than the other. 

Gastric Bypass vs. The Lap Band

The Gastric Bypass, sometimes referred to as the Roux en-Y Gastric Bypass, is the only bariatric procedure that appears to combine both volume restriction and malabsorption.   In the procedure, the stomach is transected and separated from the stomach pouch.  Generally, a stomach pouch the size of a grape is created, and the rest of the stomach is divided and separated.  A portion of the small intestine, or bowel, is then attached to the pouch which allows the food to “bypass” the separated, larger portion of the stomach.  This surgery typically requires 2--4 days in the hospital and 1--6 weeks of recovery.  It is important to note that this a potentially dangerous surgery and can cost between $25,000 and $40,000, or more.

The Lap Band is a much less invasive surgical procedure that is being used today by surgeons around the world for the treatment of severe obesity. Successfully and quite routinely used in more than 80,000 surgeries performed in Mexico, Australia and Europe over the past 8 years, the Lap Band was approved by the FDA in the United States in June of 2001.  The band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach, forming a small gastric pouch and no cutting or stapling is required.  No portion of the stomach or intestines is bypassed.  The demand for this wonderful alternative has grown steadily and it has proven to be much safer than the Gastric Bypass. 

Sanoviv

Sanoviv, with a Surgeon who has made leading advancements in the Lap Band procedure, provides a wonderful environment to attain a healthier body.  Unlike the Gastric Bypass, the Lap Band procedure costs around $10,000 and requires a minimal hospital stay.  Sanoviv is a beautiful medical facility located in Rosarito Mexico that combines cutting-edge medical treatments, diagnostics, nutrition and detoxification.  For more information about Sanoviv and how the Lap Band can help you, contact 1-800-SANOVIV (1-800-726-6848).