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Gastric sleeve and gastric bypass are surgeries considered for weight loss, and doctors generally make procedure comparisons according to their patient’s condition. Both of these surgeries reduce the size of the stomach.
Every patient has a different type of body, stomach, diseases in some cases, and diabolic & metabolic systems. Therefore, deciding whether gastric sleeve surgery or gastric bypass surgery is better would be up to your surgeon.
In this article, we will take a look at both procedures first. Then, we will discuss the operation process, before & after precautions, along with the results. Lastly, we will make a procedure comparison to learn which one would be better.
Comparing the Procedures: How Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass Surgery Differ
In gastric sleeve surgery, the surgeon removes a portion of the stomach and places the tube-shaped stomach called the sleeve. It limits the amount of food & drinks taken by the patient.
However, in gastric bypass surgery, the surgeon creates a small pouch and divides the stomach into two, and connects this small pouch to the small intestine.
Therefore, the timing for the weight loss process also differs in both surgeries.
Eligibility Criteria: Who is a Good Candidate for Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass Surgery
To be eligible for both gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass surgery, there are some criteria exist:
- Having a suitable BMI (Body mass index) - generally 35-40 or higher
- Age between 18-65
- Being a non-smoker and not alcoholic
- No history of drug use, along with psychiatric medications (uncontrolled)
In addition to them, you should be willing to change your lifestyle which is supported by a post-surgery diet and exercising. Also, having significant medical conditions & diseases increases the risks.
Benefits and Risks: Pros and Cons of Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass Surgery
Even though gastric bypass surgery and gastric sleeve surgery have benefits, they also carry potential risks. Let’s look at them separately and make a procedure comparison, starting with gastric sleeve surgery:
- It helps to weight loss more quickly when compared to gastric bypass surgery.
- You would stay at the hospital for 1-2 days, a maximum of 3-4 days in some cases.
- There are no malabsorption issues that may occur in gastric bypass surgery.
- However, complications such as bleeding may occur, and it is considered irreversible surgery.
For the gastric bypass surgery:
- It helps to maintain long-term weight loss.
- Can be reversed, in some specific cases.
- However, the bleeding and infection risks are high when compared to gastric sleeve surgery. Also, it requires a strict post-surgery diet and lifelong supplementation of nourishment to prevent malabsorption problems.
The Surgery Process: What to Expect Before, During, and After Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass Surgery
Before: Having gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery, you need to be examined first. Your medical history must be researched. Some tests such as blood tests, physical exams, imaging tests such as ultrasound, and more must be done.
During: First of all, anesthesia will be received by the patients in both surgeries so that they don’t feel any pain during the surgery. The surgical procedures differ, we will sum them up in two different sentences.
In the gastric sleeve surgery, a part of the stomach is removed and a tube-shaped sleeve takes place.
In gastric bypass surgery, the surgeon creates a small pouch and divides the stomach into two; and connects the pouch and intestine.
After: The patients are required to stay at the hospital and must follow the doctor’s instructions.
Weight Loss Results: Comparing the Long-Term Success Rates of Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass Surgery
Both of these surgeries have effective results in the mean of weight loss. But some differences exist to have long-time success rates. The weight loss in gastric sleeve surgery is quicker when compared to gastric bypass surgery. But there are no certain success rates for the long-term because it’s still studied by professionals.
In gastric bypass surgery, the results can be seen after 1-2 years, but reaching the long-term results may take up to 8-9 years or even more.
Your lifestyle, diet, diseases & problems in the condition may affect the success rates for the long-term weight loss.
Choosing the Right Option: Factors to Consider When Deciding Between Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass Surgery
To choose the right options, some factors should be considered by your surgeon. Discussing the ideas together would be effective in this step.
- Consider the weight loss goals: The amount of the weight would affect the procedure directly.
- Your medical history & current condition: Having diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, etc. can affect the surgery itself. The suitable one even may help to decrease their negative effects.
- Lifestyle changes: You need to change your life wholly because the surgery itself is can be considered the beginning of new life.
Please note that making procedure comparison is essential.
Sources
https://www.healthline.com/health/gastric-sleeve-vs-gastric-bypass
