Sleeve Gastrectomy Vs. Gastric Bypass Surgery - All You Need To Know

For most people, traditional weight loss methods take too long to deliver satisfactory results. Even if results are obtained, they may not be durable. Two of the most widely accepted and highly beneficial weight loss procedures are sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgery. This blog specifically covers these two procedures and looks at all that you need to know.

Difference between Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery and Gastric Bypass Surgery

Both sleeve gastrectomy surgery and gastric bypass surgery are aimed at reducing the size of the stomach, thus, limiting the total amount of food one can consume. During sleeve gastrectomy surgery, surgeons leave a banana-shaped section after removing approximately 80% of the stomach. The banana-shaped portion is simply sewed together and the surgery is complete. On the other hand, gastric bypass surgery involves the creation of a small pouch away from the rest of the stomach and the connecting part of the small intestine. The pouch bypasses the removed parts and is connected to the small intestine at a lower point.

Does the Recovery Period Differ?

As sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgery arte different procedures, they have different recovery periods. While sleeve gastrectomy is just a one-step procedure, gastric bypass involves two steps and, thus, demands a longer recovery period. Patients that don’t experience unbearable pain after sleeve gastrectomy can leave the hospital after a day. Because the incisions are the same with gastric bypass surgery, those patients often leave after one day as well. Patients that experience extreme significance after gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery are usually required to stay for another day or two.

Key Benefits

Before we list individual benefits, the major benefit of both surgeries is that they help reduce the risks of obesity-related diseases such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, and even strokes. Sleeve gastrectomy surgery helps patients lose around 65% of their weight through a one-step procedure that is known to have a much shorter recovery period than gastric bypass. There are fewer cases of dumping syndrome and/or issues with mineral absorption when it comes to gastric sleeve surgery. On the other hand, patients can lose up to 80% of their body fat at a much quicker pace with gastric bypass surgery. The removal of the initial part of the small intestine reduces the number of calories absorbed and contributes towards weight loss. Although it may be difficult, gastric bypass surgery can be reversed.

Which One Should You Go For?

Neither of the surgeries can be considered the ideal treatment for specific types of individuals. The right choice for you depends on a wide range of aspects such as your weight, expectations, medical history, and any health conditions. It is highly recommended to get in touch with a leading surgeon to discuss your case.

Conclusion

Both sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgery are excellent procedures that help patients meet their weight loss plans. If you’re considering going the surgery route to lose weight, DFW Bariatrics and General Surgery can help. Our team consists of some of the best Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy surgeons in Fort Worth TX. To get answers to all your questions about Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy, fill out our Contact Form or give us a call at 469-620-0223. You can also email [email protected].