Which is better, gastric bypass or gastric sleeve?

Which is better, gastric bypass or gastric sleeve? Gastric bypass and gastric sleeve are two common examples of bariatric weight-loss surgeries. Individuals who are considering bariatric surgery for weight loss have options to choose from.

When deciding on which surgery is right for you, it is essential that you understand the benefits and risks of each surgery and then compare your options. You should understand the similarities and differences between gastric bypass and gastric sleeve.

What is a gastric bypass?

Gastric bypass can be performed laparoscopically or traditionally. The laparoscopic method involves making several small 1/4- to 1/2-inch abdominal incisions while the traditional method involves making one 10- to 12-inch abdominal incision.

During a gastric bypass, the upper part of your stomach is cut out and seal off from the remaining part of your stomach. The small part cut out is known as a pouch and can only hold one ounce of food. The lower part of your small intestine will also be cut out and attached to the pouch. This procedure allows the food you eat go into the pouch and directly into the lower part of your small intestine.

The food you eat bypasses bigger portions of your stomach and the upper portions of your small intestine. Bypassing these portions helps to limit the amount of calories and nutrients that your body can absorb. Gastric bypass also reduces the amount of food that you can eat. Food only goes into the small pouch.

What is gastric sleeve?

Gastric sleeve is done laparoscopically. It involves cutting out a significant portion of your stomach, leaving behind only a smaller portion for food. About 3/4 of your stomach is cut out. The remaining portion of your stomach looks like a banana shape. The banana shaped stomach is called a sleeve.

Gastric sleeve allows your stomach to occupy only a small amount of food. It significantly reduces the amount of food you can eat. The amount of nutrients and calories your body absorbs is reduced drastically. The reduction of nutrients and calories your body absorbs causes you to lose weight.

Comparison of gastric bypass and gastric sleeve

• The recovery time for gastric bypass and gastric sleeve is 2 to 4 weeks.

• On average, people that undergo gastric bypass lose between 50 to 80 percent of their excess body weight within 12 to 18 months. On average, people that undergo gastric sleeve lose between 60 and 70 percent of their excess body weight within 12 to 18 months.

• Risks and Complications of gastric bypass and gastric sleeve are similar. Complications specific to gastric sleeve surgery include acid reflux, leakage of stomach fluid, narrowing along the stomach pouch, and stomach obstruction. Complications specific to gastric bypass include a higher risk of nutritional deficiencies, increased sensitivity to alcohol, stomach ulcers, bowel obstruction, and stomach perforation

• You will spend 1 or 2 days in the hospital after gastric sleeve while you will spend at least 2 days in the hospital after gastric bypass.

• Gastric bypass is generally recommended for individuals that are very obese with a Body Mass Index of over 45.

Why is sleeve better than gastric bypass?

Gastric bypass is more complicated than gastric sleeve because it is a two-step procedure while gastric sleeve is a single step. Gastric sleeve has a lower risk of complications. The recovery process is also faster than gastric bypass. There are fewer issues with absorbing nutrients and vitamins with gastric sleeve. Dumping syndrome is also less common in gastric sleeve.

What is the safest form of weight loss surgery?

Gastric Banding is the simplest and safest weight loss surgery. Gastric banding involves placing an inflatable silicone band around the top portion of the stomach to decrease food consumption and make you feel fuller with less food. There is less risk of nutrient deficiency because the surgery doesn’t affect nutrient absorption.

Individuals that undergo gastric banding are more likely to regain weight in the long run. The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to be completed. Most patients that undergo gastric banding can resume normal daily activities within 2 days. The recovery period is faster than other bariatric surgeries.

What is the success rate of gastric sleeve surgery?

The success rate of gastric sleeve is approximately 80-90%. On average, patients lose 60-70% of their excess weight within one year. However, the amount of weight that you will lose largely depends on how well you keep to healthy diets and regular exercises.

How much weight do you lose in 3 months after gastric sleeve?

During the first month after gastric sleeve, patients can expect to lose an average weight of up to 30 pounds. The percentage of overall excess weight loss can get to 30 percent after 3 months.

Why you should not have bariatric surgery?

While bariatric surgery can help you lose significant amounts of excess weight and reduce your risk of weight-related health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and sleep apnea, there are also serious complications that come with it. The complications that may occur are the main reasons why you shouldn’t have bariatric surgery.

What are the disadvantages of bariatric surgery?

The disadvantages of undergoing bariatric surgery are complications that may occur. Complications or disadvantages of bariatric surgery include:

• Acid reflux
• Allergic reactions to anesthesia
• Chronic nausea and vomiting
• Dilation of esophagus
• Inability to eat certain foods
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Hernia
• Gallstones
• Dumping syndrome
• Obstruction of stomach
• Nutritional deficiencies or malnutrition
• Stomach ulcers
• Stomach perforation
• Leakage of stomach fluid
• Diarrhea

Does gastric sleeve make you look old?

Yes. Massive weight loss after gastric sleeve or any other bariatric surgery makes your body look thinner and your face look older.

Does gastric bypass shorten your life?

According to research, bariatric surgery improves life expectancy for many obese diabetic patients. However, bariatric surgery may shorten life expectancy for patients who are extremely obese with very high body mass indexes.

Can you ever eat normal after gastric sleeve?

Yes. You can go back to eating normal solid meals after the 4th week of the surgery when you must have fully recovered. However, avoid foods that are high in calories.

Does weight loss surgery take years off your life?

Weight loss surgery typically improves life expectancy for many obese and diabetic patients. However, it may shorten life expectancy for people that are extremely obese with a body mass index of over 60.

What can’t you do after gastric bypass?

After undergoing gastric bypass, there are certain foods that you should avoid. These include:

• Foods with empty calories such as sweets, chips, and popcorn
• Dry foods such as nuts, granola, and dry cereal
• Alcohol
• Rice, bread, and pasta
• Fibrous fruits and vegetables such as celery, cabbage, broccoli, and corn
• Sugary or highly-caffeinated beverages including soda and certain fruit juices
• Fatty foods such as bacon, sausage, whole milk, and butter
• Tough meats such as steak, pork chops, ham, and hotdogs
• Heavily seasoned or spicy foods
• Foods that are reheated in the microwave
• Foods or products that are very high in calories such as cakes, chocolates, ice creams, and thick milkshakes.
• Avoid chewing gum

Can you ever drink soda after gastric sleeve?

Studies show that sodas trigger certain hormonal reactions that cause your body to store more fat. It is generally advised not to drink soda after gastric sleeve. Instead, drink water.

What happens if you don’t get enough protein after bariatric surgery?

Protein has many benefits to the body. Protein is used by your body to build and repair body tissues. Your body uses protein to create enzymes and hormones. Protein is an important building block of bones, blood, skin, cartilage, and muscles. Protein also helps in energy metabolism and cellular processes. Protein also defends the body against disease by enhancing the immune system.

After bariatric surgery and during rapid weight loss, your body needs more protein to maintain your muscle mass. If you don’t get enough protein during this time, your body will start to extract protein from your muscles. This will make your muscles become lean and you will become weak.

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