Bariatric surgery might be the logical next step when your weight puts your health at risk, and everything you have tried to shed the pounds has failed.
Bariatric surgeries are procedures designed to alter the digestive system, primarily the stomach. The two most popular forms of bariatric surgery are gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass surgery. Quite often, you will hear both referred to as weight loss surgery.
While the two procedures pursue the same goal of helping people lose weight, they feature significant differences worth discussing. So, let’s look at gastric sleeve vs. bypass so you can make a more informed decision when discussing your options with your doctor.
Gastric Sleeve vs. Bypass Surgery – The Similarities
Both surgeries alter your stomach size by shrinking it to the size of a small pouch.
A smaller stomach area means you will feel full of much less food. Smaller stomachs also result in less ghrelin – the hormone responsible for feelings of hunger.
The differences between the two surgeries lay in how they create a smaller stomach pouch.
Read Also: What is gastric sleeve diet.
How They Modify Stomach Size
1. Gastric Sleeve Surgery:
- Procedure Overview:
Gastric sleeve surgery, a weight loss procedure, reduces the stomach’s size by approximately 80%. It’s typically minimally invasive, involving small incisions and a laparoscope.
- The Surgical Process:
- Surgeons use keyhole surgery, making small incisions.
- A thin tube with a camera and surgical instruments is inserted for precise operation.
- The surgery is done under general anesthesia, requiring a ventilator.
- The stomach is divided into unequal parts, keeping 20% and removing 80%.
- Excess stomach material is removed, and the remaining stomach is sutured, creating a tubed-shaped stomach (the gastric sleeve) at about 25% of its original size.
2. Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y):
- Procedure Overview:
Gastric bypass creates a small stomach pouch and bypasses a portion of the stomach and small intestine, reducing fat absorption.
- The Surgical Process:
- A small stomach pouch is formed, and the small intestine is connected directly.
- This bypasses the duodenum, reducing fat absorption.
- The procedure may be minimally invasive or require open surgery.
Read Also: BMI For Gastric Bypass: What are 7 Benefits For The Bypass
Results and Benefits
Both gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedures can lead to significant weight loss and improvements in overall health. Here are some of the benefits and results associated with each procedure:
1. Gastric Bypass:
- Significant weight loss: Gastric bypass surgery can result in an average weight loss of 60-80% of excess weight within the first year after surgery.
- Improved health conditions: Gastric bypass surgery can improve or resolve health conditions related to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol.
- Rapid weight loss: Patients typically experience rapid weight loss within the first few months after surgery, which can boost motivation to continue with healthy lifestyle habits.
- Better quality of life: Many patients report an improved quality of life following gastric bypass, including increased energy, mobility, and self-confidence.
- Long-term weight loss maintenance: Gastric bypass has been shown to lead to long-term weight loss maintenance, with many patients maintaining a significant amount of weight loss for up to 10 years after surgery.
2. Gastric Sleeve:
- Significant weight loss: Gastric sleeve surgery can result in an average weight loss of 50-70% of excess weight within the first year after surgery.
- Improved health conditions: Gastric sleeves can improve or resolve health conditions related to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol.
- Fewer complications: A gastric sleeve is a simpler surgery with fewer complications than a gastric bypass.
- Lower risk of nutritional deficiencies: Gastric sleeve surgery may result in a lower risk of nutritional deficiencies than gastric bypass. However, patients must still follow a specific diet and take supplements to prevent deficiencies.
- Long-term weight loss maintenance: Gastric sleeve has been shown to lead to long-term weight loss maintenance, with many patients maintaining a significant amount of weight loss for up to 5 years after surgery.
Overall, both gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedures can lead to significant weight loss and improvements in overall health. However, the choice between the two procedures depends on the individual’s specific health needs and goals, as well as the advice of a medical professional.
Read Also: duodenal Switch vs Roux-en-y Suregry
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Testimonials
This is the second time I have used the medical services of the Hiatmed company in Istanbul and I must point out that I have received a commendation in all aspects. The most advanced medical services, professional and pleasant doctors, the most advanced equipment in the world, service, warranty, personal response, fast, reliable! The people themselves are charming. Highly recommend their services! Everything they promised and said was done exactly
Such a great experience, they organised everything so well, they didn't let me alone during the process, I ve been really well treated. I came for a rhinoplasty from Spain on my own and the team was there for me during the whole stayment. The hospital is very professional and clean. Everything went right. Thanks to them for helping me and assisting me in everything.
I had a gastric botox injection 7 months ago and till now it was an incredible result, thanks to the doctor and all the team
HayatMed Clinic has very professional and friendly staff. I had a lot of doubts about Rhinoplasty operation. They answered all my questions patiently. They took care of everything from beginning to end. Pre-planned an amazing doctor and a hospital, picked me up at the airport, provided me with a variety of hotels to pick from, showed me around the amazing city and many more. My doctor was very caring and competent. He explained to me everything about the operation and medical procedures in detail. Hospital was sparkling clean. Overall, I have been extremely happy with the service I received. I would have given 10 stars if I could!
Risks of Gastric Bypass and Gastric Sleeve Surgery
All surgeries come with a certain degree of risk. However, weight loss surgeries are routine operations and enjoy great success. The most significant risk is an infection, but antibiotics reduce that risk to an acceptable level. There are also minor risks, such as leaks from the staple joins and bowel obstruction.
Some patients also experience low blood sugar levels following weight-loss surgeries. Talk to your doctor about how you can mitigate or eliminate these risks.
Gastric Sleeve vs. Gastric Bypass Recovery Times
1. Gastric Sleeve:
- Single operation.
- Typically completed using a laparoscope.
- Hospital stay of 1-2 days.
- Possibility of extended stay if experiencing significant pain.
2. Gastric Bypass:
- Two-step surgery is more complex.
- It can be done with a laparoscope.
- A hospital stay of at least 2 days, often longer due to complexity.
- Open surgery may require 4-5 days in the hospital due to larger incisions.
Possible Complications from Weight Loss Surgery
Most surgeries are successful, but each comes with its own set of risks and possible complications.
1. Gastric Sleeve Complications
After a gastric sleeve surgery, patients may experience some of the following complications:
- Acid reflux
- Stomach fluid leaking
- Obstruction in the stomach
- A narrowing of the stomach pouch
2. Gastric Bypass Complications
There is a higher risk of nutritional deficiency after a gastric bypass, but there may be other complications, including:
- Stomach ulcers
- Develop a sensitivity to alcohol.
- Stomach perforations
- Bowel obstructions
gastric sleeve vs. gastric bypass pros and cons
Each type of surgery has pros and cons, which can help you decide what will work best for your situation.
1. Gastric Sleeve Pros and Cons
Gastric sleeve surgery patients often lose 65% of their excess body weight. The surgeon completes the surgery in one sitting, so there is less risk of complications. Recovery is faster, and patients can absorb more minerals and nutrients than gastric bypass patients.
The main drawbacks of gastric sleeves include slower weight loss, it’s not reversible, and acid reflux being a risk.
2. Gastric Bypass Pros and Cons
Bypass patients often lose up to 80% of their excess body weight due to the stomach not absorbing as many calories. Weight loss is also more rapid than possible with a gastric sleeve. While the surgery is difficult to reverse, it’s not impossible.
Surgeons perform gastric bypasses in two steps. First, there is more risk, and the recovery period is longer. There is also the risk of dietary deficiencies because of malabsorption.
Deciding What’s Right for You
The best way to determine which weight loss surgery is right for you is to consult your doctor. They will consider your weight, medical history, health conditions, and expectations to help you decide.
Read also: intragastric balloon weight loss.
Gastric sleeve vs. bypass comparison table
Gastric Sleeve Gastric Bypass
Procedure Remove Portion
Of the StomachAttaching pouch to The intestine
to bypassing the stomach
Used Techinique Endoscopy Endoscopy
Full Recovery 1-3 weeks 2-4 weeks
Pros – lose 60 – 65% extra weight
– Lower expected Complications
– Faster recovery time– lose 80% extra weight
– faster weight loss
– can be reversed
Cons – less weight loss
– can not be reversed
– slower weight loss– higher expected complications
– longer recovery time
– dumping syndrome risk
Weight Loss
Results60-65% extra weight Up to 80% extra weight
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gastric sleeve vs. bypass cost
Like any other surgery, the cost of this procedure varies depending on several factors, including the geographic hospital location and the surgeon’s experience. Noteworthy is that the surgery’s cost in some places may include only some fees, such as aftercare services and anesthesia.
For example, The cost of gastric bypass – is £8,000 to £15,000—and sleeve gastrectomy – is £8,000 to £10,000. However, according to the National Health Service (NHS), in the USA, a sleeve gastrectomy costs about $17,500, and a bypass costs about $27,000, according to MultiCare’s Website.
While Gastric Sleeve prices in Turkey range between €2200 – €3200 and bypass between €2500 – €3500
Country Operation Type Price
Turkey Gastric Sleeve €2200 – €3200
Gastric Bypass €2500 – €3500
United Kingdom Gastric Sleeve £8,000 – £15,000
Gastric Bypass £8,000 – £10,000
United States Gastric Sleeve $17,500
Gastric Bypass $27,000
Long-Term Considerations
1. Gastric Sleeve:
- Weight Loss: Typically results in significant weight loss, often around 60-70% of excess body weight.
- Nutrient Absorption: Generally maintains better nutrient absorption than gastric bypass, as it doesn’t alter the natural food pathway.
- Simplicity: Remains a simpler procedure with fewer long-term complications related to rerouting the digestive tract.
- Diet: Easier to adapt to a regular diet over time.
2. Gastric Bypass:
- Weight Loss: Also leads to substantial weight loss, usually around 70-80% of excess body weight.
- Nutrient Absorption: This can lead to malabsorption of certain nutrients, requiring lifelong supplementation.
- Complexity: More complex due to rerouting of the digestive system, potentially leading to more long-term complications.
- Diet: Similar dietary progression to gastric sleeve, with extra vigilance for nutritional deficiencies.
Diabetes Management
Both gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgeries effectively manage type 2 diabetes. However, they have distinct mechanisms and outcomes in terms of diabetes control:
1. Gastric Bypass:
- Mechanism: Gastric bypass restricts food intake by creating a small stomach pouch and reroutes the digestive tract, bypassing a portion of the small intestine. This leads to changes in gut hormones, including increased glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) production, which helps regulate blood sugar.
- Diabetes Improvement: Gastric bypass often provides rapid and significant improvement in blood sugar control. Some individuals experience remission of diabetes shortly after surgery.
- Long-Term Diabetes Control: Many individuals who undergo gastric bypass surgery experience long-term improvements in diabetes control. However, the degree of improvement can vary from person to person.
2. Gastric Sleeve:
- Mechanism: Gastric sleeve surgery primarily restricts food intake by reducing the size of the stomach. While it doesn’t involve rerouting the digestive tract, it can still impact gut hormones. It may lead to some improvement in blood sugar control.
- Diabetes Improvement: Gastric sleeve surgery can also significantly improve diabetes control, although it may not be as rapid or pronounced as gastric bypass.
- Long-Term Diabetes Control: Long-term diabetes control after gastric sleeve surgery can be effective for many individuals, but it may not be as consistent or potent as with gastric bypass.
Considerations:
- The choice between these surgeries for diabetes management often depends on individual factors, including the severity of diabetes, overall health, and patient preferences.
- Gastric bypass may be considered for individuals with more severe diabetes, as it often provides faster and more robust improvements in blood sugar control.
- A gastric sleeve is preferred for those who want a less complex procedure with a lower risk of certain complications.
conclusion
Recently, Istanbul has become the destination for many people worldwide to get medical services. The reasons behind that are the affordable prices, highly skilled doctors, and specific medical services.
Here at HayatMed, we provide you with all fully inclusive fee packages. This package includes all the services associated with the surgery, such as hospital charges, surgeons’ and anesthetist’s fees, and aftercare policy.
Frequently asked questions
What is gastric bypass vs. sleeve success rate?
Both gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy procedures can result in significant weight loss and improved health in obese individuals, though success rates vary.
Gastric bypass may initially provide greater weight loss, while sleeve gastrectomy requires less invasive surgical techniques. Success will ultimately depend on patient commitment to lifestyle changes post-surgery and individual health factors; in either case, both procedures can successfully combat obesity-related health conditions.
Is gastric bypass more serious than gastric sleeve?
Yes, gastric bypass surgery is generally considered more serious than its less invasive counterpart, gastric sleeve surgery. Gastric bypass requires reconstructing part of the digestive system in order to realign with eating patterns, while the latter merely involves the removal of part of the stomach.
What is the safest form of weight loss surgery?
Safety concerns regarding weight loss surgery depend on individual circumstances. Gastric sleeve surgery may be safer due to its lower risk of complications; however, the best choice should always be determined through consultation with healthcare providers.
Which is better, gastric sleeve or bypass?
Choice between gastric sleeve and bypass procedures depends on an individual’s goals, health conditions and preferences. Gastric sleeve is less invasive and has lower risks of complications while gastric bypass may initially produce greater weight loss – although what constitutes “the better option” will vary from person to person.
Gastric sleeve vs. bypass recovery time
Recovery time following gastric sleeve surgery tends to be shorter than for gastric bypass procedures, with patients recovering and returning to regular activities within weeks following sleeve gastrectomy surgery, while gastric bypass may take more time for recovery.
What is the advantage of bypass surgery vs. gastric sleeve?
Gastric bypass may offer more significant initial weight loss and may help manage certain health conditions like type 2 diabetes more effectively, but is more complex surgery with potential long-term nutritional concerns; its potential advantages depend on each person’s individual circumstances and needs.
Why are people getting sleeve gastrectomy vs. gastric bypass?
People often opt for sleeve gastrectomy over gastric bypass for various reasons, including its less invasive nature, shorter recovery time and lower risk of complications. Furthermore, many prefer its straightforward process and lower likelihood of nutritional deficiencies; personal preferences and medical assessments play a large part in this decision-making.
This article was Medically reviewed by Dr. Hakan Evrüke
