You may have heard about gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgeries, but what are the key differences between these two types of weight-loss procedures? Read on to find out!
What is a gastric sleeve?
A gastric sleeve, also called a vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), is the removal of part of the stomach to create a tubular-shaped organ with approximately 80% of its original capacity. The stomach is first divided and stapled vertically to separate it into two parts; then, the upper portion or “tube” is removed. The remaining lower portion of the stomach is reformed and reattached to canals that were made in the intestines. The result is a stomach that produces fewer hormones and therefore makes you feel fuller faster and longer
What is a gastric bypass?
A gastric bypass, also called Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) or gastric plication, reduces the size of the stomach to about 15-30 milliliters (roughly 1/3 to 2/3 of a cup), creating a pouch. The small intestine is divided and connected directly to this pouch, bypassing most of the stomach. This surgery also changes how your digestive system works by decreasing the time food spends in your stomach and your small intestine, so you absorb fewer calories from food.
Learn more: How to Address Gas After Gastric Bypass
Gastric sleeve vs. gastric bypass: difference
From the most common surgeries performed, gastric sleeve is a restrictive surgery that limits how much food can be consumed. Gastric bypass is both restrictive and malabsorptive. Malabsorption means the body absorbs fewer nutrients from eaten food. Restriction means your stomach muscles are tight, so you feel full of small amounts of food. But there are different types of gastric bypass surgeries available.
Continuing with the difference between Gastric sleeve vs. Gastric bypass, Gastric Bypass takes less time to recover from than a Gastric Sleeve which can take up to six months for complete recovery. With a Gastric Sleeve, you have a vertical incision from the breastbone to below your navel. With a Gastric Bypass Tijuana, there are several options that include a small incision through which the surgeon runs a laparoscope and then creates a larger “pocket” for food to pass into the intestine.
The gastric sleeve is a less invasive procedure than the bypass, but it still requires extensive surgery. There are many other factors to consider when deciding which weight loss sleeve gastrectomy vs. gastric bypass surgery is right for you.