Bariatric surgery is just another expert term for weight loss surgery, which is a medical method for treating obesity in those people who have had difficulties losing weight with traditional dietary and lifestyle changes and/or have developed severe medical conditions due to obesity.
On that note, people can consider several different weight loss surgery options. Most people who have been recommended bariatric surgery may ask their doctors: Which is better, gastric sleeve or bypass? Or may even want to know which is more dangerous, gastric bypass or sleeve? Before you start looking for bariatric – weight loss surgery options in Miami, consider reading this article, in which we bring you the essentials on the gastric sleeve vs. gastric bypass debate.
Gastric Sleeve VS. Gastric Bypass: The Essentials
Gastric Sleeve
Also called laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, gastric sleeve is the most often recommended and performed variation of bariatric surgery. In this procedure, surgeons remove around 80% of the stomach, together with the area responsible for producing the “hunger hormone,” also known as ghrelin. Consequently, the stomach takes on a notably smaller, banana-like shape.
After the surgery, the stomach’s reduced capacity results in decreased food consumption and a diminished sense of hunger. This reduction in calorie intake, in turn, leads to improved metabolism, ultimately fostering weight loss and improved control of blood sugar levels.
Gastric Bypass
This procedure is also referred to as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, which is looked at as the go-to standard in the world of bariatric interventions.
During gastric bypass, surgeons staple the stomach, creating a tiny upper pouch that blocks off a considerable area of the stomach. After that, surgeons connect the middle section of the small intestine to the tiny pouch.
Thanks to the intervention, the consumed liquids or foods will bypass most of the stomach, resulting in fewer calories consumed and decreased nutrition absorption. The food also considerably bypasses the small intestine. Because of all this, patients need less food to feel fuller and more hungry, helping them lose weight.
Gastric Sleeve VS. Gastric Bypass: The Similarities
Generally, when talking about bariatric surgery, the requirements are similar. In both cases, patients need to meet the following criteria:
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher.
- Have a body mass index of at least 35 and a medical problem related to obesity (heart disease, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, etc.)
- A body mass index of at least 30 with a health condition that is related to obesity and isn’t controlled well with medication and lifestyle adjustments.
While the requirements are similar for both surgeries, gastric bypass will usually be recommended for patients with very high BMIs (greater than 60) because the weight loss is more significant and rapid.
On that note, we should also address the question: Which is more dangerous, gastric bypass or sleeve surgery?
Simply put, gastric bypass procedures will produce better overall results regarding weight loss and provide better overall diabetes control. Still, it’s also more complex, making it potentially more dangerous.
Regarding success rates, Bariatric surgeries typically yield high success rates, with approximately 90% of individuals who undergo such procedures achieving a 50% or greater reduction in excess body weight and maintaining it over the long term.
Nonetheless, distinctions exist in the speed and magnitude of weight loss between gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgeries. Generally, bariatric surgeons assert that gastric bypass surgery often produces a swifter and more substantial long-term weight reduction.
A crucial research investigation, the SLEEVEPASS randomized clinical trial, comprehensively compared gastric sleeve and gastric bypass patients five years after their respective surgeries. The study’s outcomes indicated that individuals who had undergone gastric sleeve surgery achieved a 49% reduction in excess weight. In contrast, those in the gastric bypass group experienced a more substantial 57% decrease in extra weight.
Lastly, in terms of recovery, both procedures are performed using minimally invasive techniques, which can significantly improve recovery times. In either case, overall recovery time won’t exceed four to six weeks.
Differences Between Sleeve And Bypass
Significant distinctions exist between gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgeries. Gastric sleeve surgery is a relatively uncomplicated procedure, in contrast to gastric bypass surgery, which involves a series of steps to establish the connection between the intestine and the upper stomach pouch. It’s worth noting that gastric bypass is linked to a higher incidence of potential side effects when compared to gastric sleeve. Nevertheless, gastric bypass may offer the advantage of sustained weight loss and enhanced blood sugar management over the long term.
On the other hand, when it comes to the differences between sleeves and bypass, most experts will comment on the possible complications that may arise between the two interventions. While both are considered safe, both have possible complications and side effects as well.
The gastric sleeve is considered the more straightforward intervention between the two and is associated with fewer problems. Still, it has a greater potential to cause gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD).
In contrast, gastric bypass is a more complex operation and also has a greater risk of complications. It may lead to nutrient deficiencies, small bowel obstruction, the development of stomach ulcers, and dumping syndrome.
Naturally, both of these interventions will require dietary and lifestyle changes to help optimize and maintain long-term weight loss.
Which is Better: Gastric Sleeve or Bypass
Ultimately, both surgeries share the same goals: help weight loss, improve metabolic health, help manage obesity-related conditions, and improve the patient’s quality of life. Still, there are a few considerable differences between the two approaches.
Pros and Cons of Gastric Sleeve
As mentioned above, this is considered less complex with fewer side effects. It promotes weight loss, but the effects are less significant than with gastric bypass.
Pros of the intervention when compared to bypass:
- Simpler.
- Effective for losing weight.
- Ideal for people who have high-risk medical problems.
- Can be transformed into gastric bypass if needed.
Cons of sleeve surgery:
- Can’t be reversed
- Doesn’t impact metabolism as much
- May lead to or worsen GERD
Pros and Cons of Gastric Bypass
Out of the two, this is the more complex intervention, as it has more steps. Still, the surgery grants quicker and more pronounced weight loss but may have more potential complications.
Pros of gastric bypass compared to gastric sleeve:
- Standardized, tried-and-tested technique.
- More pronounced and faster weight loss.
- Better at improving obesity-related health problems.
Cons of gastric bypass:
- More intricate surgery
- Can lead to mineral and vitamin deficiencies
- May lead to dumping syndrome
- Higher risk for bowel obstruction and stomach ulcer development.
Consult Experts
It is advisable to have a discussion with a healthcare provider or consult a bariatric surgeon to assess which surgical option aligns best with your unique requirements.
If you value a less complex procedure with reduced potential for complications, or if you have a high-risk health condition that contraindicates a gastric bypass, gastric sleeve surgery could be the more suitable choice.
Alternatively, if you are dealing with severe obesity and desire a swifter weight loss trajectory, or if you are also seeking to manage an obesity-related condition like type 2 diabetes, a gastric bypass surgery may better suit your objectives.
That said, you can always schedule an appointment with us to learn more about these procedures.