Imagine a life without worrying about counting calories. It may be closer than you think.

Two common weight loss surgeries are the gastric sleeve and gastric bypass. Both are done to help you lose weight and feel better. But they are not the same.

So which one is right for you? Let’s look at the differences between gastric sleeve vs gastric bypass.

What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve is a weight loss procedure that involves extracting part of the belly, creating a tube-like structure, and reattaching it so it forms a sleeve shape in the stomach. It reduces the size of the stomach, as well as the amount of food it can hold. 

Patients should strongly consider all these things before undergoing the procedure:

Complexity

With the gastric sleeve, the stomach is made smaller by simply removing a large portion of the stomach. 

Cost

Gastric sleeve is a newer procedure and is typically an invasive procedure that requires only a few small incisions. The total cost for laparoscopic sleeve surgery is significantly cheaper, coming in around $15,000.

Risks

The most common risks of gastric sleeve are infection and the possibility of internal bleeding. There is also a low risk of joint and stomach irritation due to the use of surgical tools.

Though exceedingly rare, there is a chance of the stomach becoming perforated during the procedure, leading to internal bleeding and potential bowel damage. Another risk associated with the procedure is you may experience nutritional deficiencies due to the reduced stomach size, leading to fatigue and other medical conditions. 

Recovery Time

Gastric sleeve surgery is a less invasive procedure with a much shorter recovery period. After the two-hour operation, patients can expect a recovery of a few weeks, with patients listening to their bodies and resting as needed.

What is Gastric Bypass Surgery?

Gastric bypass surgery is a major procedure that can help people with severe obesity lose weight. It can provide a significant benefit to those struggling to keep their weight under control. 

When considering gastric sleeve surgery at Las Vegas Bariatrics, there are factors such as:

Complexity

Gastric bypass is a more complex procedure in which the stomach is divided into two sections, and part of the small intestine is connected to the stomach pouch. This reduces the amount of food that is digested and absorbed.

Cost

Gastric bypass is an open procedure with a much larger incision. The cost for a gastric bypass is typically around $20,000 to $25,000.

Risks Associated with Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery carries more potential risks than gastric sleeve surgery. These risks include:

• infection
• leakage
• malabsorption
• anastomotic ulcers
• hernia
• gallstones

These risks highlight the importance of speaking with your doctor and weighing the risks and benefits before opting for surgery.

Recovery Time

Gastric bypass surgery is a more complex procedure requiring a hospital stay of a few days. Patients may require 3-4 weeks for full recovery, with the first few days being the most brutal in terms of pain. 

Learn and Understand the Differences Between Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Bypass

Gastric sleeve vs gastric bypass are both significant and effective weight loss procedures. However, they are very different and come with their own set of considerations. Each requires various pros, cons, and commitments and should be discussed with a professional for a tailored approach.

Speak to your medical provider to determine which procedure is best for you and jumpstart your weight loss journey.

Check out our other blog posts for more health and lifestyle tips.