If you're considering a gastric band vs. gastric bypass surgery, it is important to go in understanding the basic difference between the two procedures. Your surgeon should be able to go through the details with you when you meet. Gastric bypass surgery is not reversible and comes with a higher risk of complication than gastric banding. It does generally lead to more weight loss in a shorter time period. A band will lead to less weight loss overall and take a little bit longer to work, but the procedure is statistically much safer and it can be removed if necessary.