In order to ascertain which procedure is best for you, we have listed the key differences between Gastric Bands and Gastric Balloons below. The fundamental differences should be taken into consideration before you take the next step.
The best procedure for you will depend upon many factors including your BMI and your long term goals. Generally speaking, Gastric Bands (otherwise known as lap bands) are for those patients who require substantial weight loss over a much longer period of time. The Gastric Band procedure is a keyhole surgery procedure whilst the Gastric Balloon procedure is a non surgical. procedure carried out under local anaesthetic or mild sedation.
We strongly advise that you complete the questionnaire at the bottom of this page so you may easily come to an informed decision on the best weight loss method for you.
| Stomach
Balloon |
Adjustable
Gastric Band |
| Best option for patients with a
BMI between 27 and 35 |
Good option for patients with a
BMI over 35 |
| Definite role for patients
with BMI over 35 |
Possible role for patients
with a BMI between 32 and 35 |
| Best option for patients with a BMI over 55 |
Not the best option if your BMI is over 55 |
| Day Case – discharged usually
within an hour |
Usually One Night Stay |
| Takes 10 minutes |
Takes about 1 hour |
| Local Anaesthetic Throat Spray
+/- Sedation |
General Anaesthetic |
| No Surgery whatsoever – very
simple endoscopic procedure – placed and removed through mouth |
Requires Laparoscopic
(keyhole) Surgery |
| No procedure
actually inside your abdominal cavity – almost zero placement
complication rate in experienced hands |
Requires the
band be passed through your abdominal cavity and around your stomach – minimal
but recognised placement complication rate in experienced hands |
| Considered a
minor medical procedure |
Considered a “proper” surgical
operation |
| Requires an intense
behaviour modification programme – the balloon does some of the work;
but you have to put the effort in too!! |
Requires a less
intensive programme – even though you still have to put a lot of effort
in, the band does do more of the work for you!! |
| Removed after
6 months |
Can remain in
place indefinitely |
| Non-adjustable |
Adjustable |
| Works by significantly restricting the
capacity of your stomach so that you eat less and feel fuller quicker |
Works by severely restricting the
capacity of your stomach so that you are only able to eat very tiny amounts |
| Does not work
by causing malabsorption |
Does not work
by causing malabsorption |
| Easily reversed
by simple endoscopic puncture and removal |
Relatively easily
reversed by further laparoscopic keyhole surgery |
| Technology very
well tried and tested for safety and effectiveness |
Technology very
well tried and tested for safety and effectiveness |
| Very few longer
term risks and complications |
Well recognised
longer term risks and complications, but uncommon in experienced hands |
| Excellent for
patients with less of a weight problem who want an intense period of fast weight
loss and who understand that they must keep to a sensible eating programme afterwards |
Excellent for
patients with a more severe weight problem, who understand that they are going
to need a long term solution to their long term weight problem |
| Aimed at producing a healthy relationship
with food |
Aimed at significantly restricting
the patient’s capacity to eat |
| Most patients eat “normal” food – just
less of it |
Most patients eat blended
food for a short period before moving on to normal food |
| Very high patient satisfaction
rate |
Very high patient satisfaction
rate |
 |
