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Comparison Tables

Technique	Intragastric Balloon	Gastric Band	Gastric Sleeve	Gastric Bypass

Procedure Details	Non-surgical procedure that limits the food carrying capacity of the stomach.	Laparoscopic (keyhole) procedure in which an adjustable band is placed around the stomach to limit food intake.	Laparoscopic (keyhole) procedure in which 75% of the stomach is removed.	Laparoscopic (keyhole) procedure which involves bypassing part of the stomach and small intestine.
How it works	Restrictive effect of balloon	Restrictive effect of band	Restrictive effect of a narrow sleeve of stomach Immediate metabolic / hormonal effects after surgery	Restrictive effect of small stomach pouch Immediate metabolic / hormonal effects after surgery Mildly reduced absorption of nutrients
Reversibility	Reversible and temporary (6 months only)	Reversible	Irreversible	Reversible, but difficult
Operating Time	15 to 30 min	35 to 45 min	40 to 60 min	60 to 90 min
Advantages	No surgical incisions or cutting is involved.	Shorter hospital stay and recovery time No resection of stomach No alteration in gut anatomy Low risk of early post-operative complications Low risk of malnutrition / vitamin deficiency	No implant device in the body Less follow-up reviews required Good at improving/curing type II diabetes Lower long-term complications than gastric bypass	Better weight loss efficacy than gastric band and gastric sleeve Higher rate of resolution / improvement of type II diabetes than band / sleeve Good option for moderate / severe acid reflux
Risks/ Complications	Nausea and vomiting Abdominal pain Heartburn/reflux disease Deflation of balloon Gastric/duodenal ulcers	Band or port infection Band slippage Band erosion into stomach Food intolerance Acid reflux Oesophageal dilatation 10-20% risk of requiring corrective surgery	Bleeding Acid reflux Narrowing/twisting/angulation of stomach tube Staple line leak	Dumping syndrome Bleeding Staple line/anastamotic leak Ulcer/stricture at anastamosis Internal hernia Vitamin deficiencies
Duration of Hospital Stay	You can return home on the same day.	1 to 2 days	3 to 4 days	3 to 4 days
Time away from work	2 to 3 days	1 week	1 to 2 weeks	1 to 2 weeks
Eating Quality	Good	Some food can get stuck if not properly chewed	Takes several weeks to progress to solids after surgery, but good eventually	Good, but some foods may cause dumping syndrome
Excess weight loss *	Approximately 15-20% weight loss*	Approximately 30-40% weight loss by 18 months *	Approximately 60-70% weight loss by 12 months *	Approximately 65-75% weight loss by 12 months *
Follow-up	Intragastric balloon is left in place for 6 months and then removed.	Regular reviews every month for the first 6-12 months until optimal amount of fluid in band is achieved and then every 3-6 months afterwards.	Regular reviews every 3 months for the first year and then every 6 months for the second year	Regular reviews every 3 months for the first year and then every 6 months for the second year

* Individual results may vary. Refer to our disclaimer