When it comes to weight loss surgery, there are several options available to help people achieve their goals. My name is Dr Allen Alvarez and I am a bariatric surgeon in San Antonio and two of the most popular procedures are sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. While both procedures aim to help people lose weight, they differ in how they achieve this goal. In this article, I will compare sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass to help you understand the differences between these two procedures.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy is a bariatric procedure that involves removing a portion of the stomach to restrict food intake and promote weight loss. It involves removing the most lateral part of the stomach, what is known as the greater curvature of the stomach. During the procedure, 85% of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow sleeve-shaped stomach. This reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold, leading to feelings of fullness after eating smaller portions. It also works on a hunger hormone called ghrelin and allows for powerful metabolic changes in the body. To learn more about sleeve gastrectomy, go to www.SageBariatric.com
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass, on the other hand, involves creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach and connecting this pouch to the small intestine. This bypasses a portion of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine, reducing the amount of food and calories absorbed by the body. This leads to weight loss by both restricting food intake and reducing calorie absorption.
Differences between Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass While both procedures aim to help people lose weight, there are several differences between sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, including:
Procedure:
Sleeve gastrectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed using a laparoscopic approach. Gastric bypass, on the other hand, is a more complex procedure that involves rerouting the intestines.
Weight Loss:
Gastric bypass is typically more effective at promoting weight loss than sleeve gastrectomy. Patients can expect to lose 60-80% of their excess weight within two years of the procedure, compared to 50-70% with sleeve gastrectomy.
Nutritional Deficiencies:
Gastric bypass carries a higher risk of nutritional deficiencies, as the procedure bypasses a portion of the small intestine, reducing the amount of food and nutrients absorbed by the body. Sleeve gastrectomy does not involve rerouting the intestines, reducing the risk of malnutrition.
Hormonal Changes:
Sleeve gastrectomy works by reducing the production of the hormone responsible for hunger (ghrelin), leading to a reduction in appetite. Gastric bypass, on the other hand, works by reducing calorie absorption, leading to weight loss.
Complications:
Gastric bypass carries a higher risk of complications, including bowel obstruction, malnutrition, and hernias. Sleeve gastrectomy carries a lower risk of complications, but there is still a risk of leakages from staple lines or surgical incisions, and long-term malnutrition.
Conclusion Sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass are both effective weight loss procedures, but they differ in how they achieve this goal. Sleeve gastrectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold, leading to weight loss. Gastric bypass is a more complex procedure that promotes weight loss by both restricting food intake and reducing calorie absorption. If you’re considering weight loss surgery, consider us at www.SageBariatric.com.