What is the difference between gastric sleeve and gastric bypass?

Both procedures aim to help individuals achieve significant weight loss and improve obesity-related health conditions, there are key differences between gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgeries.

1)Procedure Overview:

• Gastric Sleeve: In gastric sleeve surgery, a portion of the stomach is surgically removed to create a smaller, banana-shaped stomach pouch. This restricts the amount of food that can be consumed and helps patients feel full faster.

• Gastric Bypass: In gastric bypass surgery, the stomach is divided into a small upper pouch and a larger lower pouch. The small intestine is then rerouted to connect to both pouches, bypassing part of the stomach and small intestine. This reduces the amount of food absorbed by the body and alters the digestive process.

2)Mechanism of Action:

• Gastric Sleeve: Gastric sleeve surgery primarily works by reducing the size of the stomach, limiting the amount of food that can be eaten at one time. It also decreases the production of ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates hunger, leading to reduced appetite.

• Gastric Bypass: Gastric bypass surgery works by both restricting food intake and altering the digestive process. By bypassing part of the stomach and small intestine, gastric bypass reduces the absorption of calories and nutrients from food.

3)Weight Loss Results:

• Gastric Sleeve: Gastric sleeve surgery typically results in significant weight loss, with patients losing an average of 60-70% of their excess body weight within the first year after surgery.

• Gastric Bypass: Gastric bypass surgery often leads to even more substantial weight loss compared to gastric sleeve surgery, with patients losing an average of 70-80% of their excess body weight within the first year after surgery.

4)Nutritional Considerations:

• Gastric Sleeve: While gastric sleeve surgery preserves the natural stomach and intestinal anatomy, patients may still need to take vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent nutrient deficiencies, particularly in the long term.

• Gastric Bypass: Gastric bypass surgery can lead to greater nutrient malabsorption due to the rerouting of the digestive tract. As a result, patients must adhere to a lifelong regimen of vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent deficiencies.

5)Surgical Complexity and Risk:

• Gastric Sleeve: Gastric sleeve surgery is considered less complex than gastric bypass surgery and may involve a shorter operating time and hospital stay. It also carries a lower risk of complications such as dumping syndrome and nutritional deficiencies.

• Gastric Bypass: Gastric bypass surgery is a more complex procedure that involves rerouting the digestive tract. While it can result in greater weight loss, it also carries a higher risk of surgical complications and long-term nutritional deficiencies.

Ultimately, the choice between gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgery depends on individual factors such as weight loss goals, medical history, and surgeon recommendations. Plastic surgeons at Formedi in Antalya, Turkey, specialize in both procedures and can help patients make informed decisions based on their unique needs and preferences. By undergoing weight loss surgery at Formedi, patients can achieve significant weight loss and improve their overall health and quality of life.