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The Difference Between LapDS, Gastric Bypass, and Other Restrictive ProceduresPosted Thursday, July 21, 2011 to PROCEDURES > Body Posted by John Rabkin, M.D. By: John M. Rabkin, M.D. Some people are confused by the number of bariatric surgery procedures out there, and sometimes the differences among them can be hard to grasp at first. To understand how gastric bypass, laparoscopic duodenal switch surgery (LapDS), vertical gastrectomy, and the LAP-BAND® differ, it's important to understand the techniques each procedure uses to achieve major weight loss for San Francisco weight loss patients. Restrictive vs. Malabsorptive TechniquesLike the name suggests, restrictive techniques restrict the amount of food patients can consume, while malabsorptive techniques limit your body's ability to absorb and process fats and calories. These two techniques are at the heart of most bariatric surgeries. Purely Restrictive Procedures:
Vertical gastrectomy involves removing the greater curvature of the stomach, reducing the gastric capacity to about 15% of what it was. The stomach is sutured vertically, creating a small, tubular pouch called the gastric "sleeve." The intestines are not re-routed, which makes this procedure ideal for those with intestinal problems.
The LAP-BAND System is a purely restrictive approach that places a silicone band around the upper portion of the stomach. This enables the patient to eat less and feel full sooner. The procedure is adjustable and fully-reversible; once the desired weight loss is achieved, the band can be removed. Restrictive & Malabsorptive Procedures:
Gastric bypass involves creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach, which limits the amount of food the patient can eat at one time. Approximately 15 to 20% of the small intestine is bypassed, and the new stomach pouch is reattached at a point further down the intestinal tract. This slightly reduces the amount of calories absorbed, with most of the weight loss from the restricted stomach pouch.
The laparoscopic duodenal switch procedure combines moderate restriction with moderate malabsorption for numerous advantages. The stomach is reduced in size, but not to the degree of other procedures, which allows for a more normal eating pattern. The intestines are reconfigured, but the pyloric valve and a small part of the duodenum are left intact, which helps with mineral absorption and more normal digestive functioning. What sets the LapDS apart?The patient who undergoes the duodenal switch procedure has a more natural configuration of the stomach and proximal small intestine than with gastric bypass, preserving the normal emptying mechanism of the stomach. This allows for a much more normal eating pattern. What's more, the duodenal switch leads to faster and more sustained weight loss in the long term and makes it less likely for patients to regain weight compared to the other weight loss procedures. 0 Comments | Share | Save to Favorites Report Abuse| Rate It: Add Comment |