Dr. Provost addresses the pros and cons of gastric bypass surgery in comparison to the Lap-Band procedure to help prospective weight loss surgery patients make an informed decision.

Click here to learn more about gastric bypass surgery.

Click here to learn more about the Lap-Band procedure.

Dr. Provost explains how the Lap-Band works, and the benefits and risks to consider for this procedure.

The Lap-Band is an adjustable laparoscopic gastric band used for the surgical treatment of obesity. The band was approved by the FDA in June 2001, although gastric banding operations have been performed in other parts of the world since 1993. The Lap-Band limits how much food a person can comfortably consume and also decreases hunger. Because the Lap-Band is adjustable, patients can lose weight gradually. Although initial weight loss is 10%-15% less than weight loss following a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, long-term outcomes are similar between the two procedures. Read the full story

The vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), also known as the sleeve gastrectomy or gastric sleeve, is gaining popularity as a surgical weight loss option for those seeking rapid results. Originally developed as a two-part procedure for patients considered too high-risk for gastric bypass surgery, the gastric sleeve has been modified to a single surgical procedure that can be performed through a laparoscope. Read the full story

After weight loss surgery, some patients may experience complications that require revisional surgery. This type of surgery involves going back in and revising a previous weight loss surgical procedure, so as to achieve the anticipated results of the original surgery. The most common reasons for having revision surgery involve complications, although weight gain may be another reason to revise a previous bariatric procedure. Read the full story