The problem of excess weight is familiar to everyone. Nearly 1 in 3 adults (30.7%) is overweight. People resort to various diets and exercise. All this is very useful. But alas, the result can be too slow. What should you do if you want to instantly achieve a slim figure? And what if excess weight has led to complications, and you need to get in shape as soon as possible? There is a way out! Then, some patients resort to a super-effective procedure: bariatric surgery. But what exactly should you choose, because it has several options? Each of the procedures has its advantages and possible risks. Let’s discuss the difference between the gastric sleeve and the gastric bypass procedure so that you can make an informed decision.
Before making a decision, let’s understand the similarities and differences between gastric bypass and gastrectomy. Both methods aim to limit the amount of food that can be eaten before satiety. And both are not subject to reverse change. Therefore, before the procedure, you should make a final decision that you will not doubt. As a rule, the hospital stay after the procedure is usually 2 to 3 days.
There are also many differences between these procedures. Let’s discuss them.
What is the essence of the operation? The doctor creates a small gastric pocket in the patient’s body, which is sewn to the small intestine, bypassing the main stomach. The recovery period after the procedure takes from 2 to 4 weeks. Among the obvious advantages is weight normalization. But like any procedure, there are also risks.
In this case, there is a risk of developing dumping syndrome. This is an unpleasant condition in which food, especially food rich in carbohydrates, moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine. Food bypasses the normal digestion process, and the patient may experience unpleasant symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, and weakness.
The gastric bypass procedure is highly effective. You lose 60-80% of excess body weight within 12-18 months. No diet can lead to such a rapid result, so it is not surprising that many patients who dream of achieving a slim figure and normal weight choose this option.
During this procedure, the doctor removes a large part of the patient’s stomach, leaving a narrow tube—the so-called “sleeve.” The recovery period is no different from the previous operation and takes from 2 to 4 weeks. However, there is a significant advantage. In this case, there is a lower risk of dumping syndrome, which means the patient will be less likely to experience discomfort. Alas, the effectiveness of the procedure is not great, but it is still lower than in the case of gastric bypass.
A person can lose 60-70% of excess weight within 12-18 months, which is also an excellent result. However, the previous procedure is slightly more effective for weight loss, and there is less risk of feeling unwell.
In 2022, every eighth person in the world suffered from obesity. Since 1990, the number of adults with obesity has more than doubled, and among adolescents, it has quadrupled. Now the problem of excess weight among the population is global. In 2024, 35 million children under 5 years of age were recorded as overweight. It is necessary to distinguish between such concepts as overweight and obesity. Overweight is the accumulation of excess body fat. Obesity is a chronic disease in which fat is deposited in the body in quantities that threaten health. People with obesity have a high risk of developing concomitant dangerous diseases. So the problem should not be neglected.
The basis is an unhealthy lifestyle. Overeating and low physical activity (i.e., disturbed energy imbalance) naturally lead to rapid weight gain. Also important are factors of genetic predisposition and environmental influences. Urbanization, the availability of high-calorie foods, and a sedentary lifestyle provoke the problem of excess weight in the population. Psychosocial factors are also important. A person under stress is sometimes inclined to eat more fatty and sweet foods.
Some people gain weight after taking certain medications or due to chronic diseases. Some patients have a specific cause—hormonal disorders, rare genetic syndromes, limited mobility, or the consequences of medical interventions. However, reducing weight to normal values is very important. After all, health and well-being depend on it!
Whichever option you choose, here are the obvious advantages of each of them. You get rid of extra pounds, which means you achieve the desired appearance and prevent many diseases. The following ailments are more common in people who suffer from excess weight:
Excess weight is hazardous. Therefore, to be healthy, you must monitor your diet and lifestyle and resort to what promotes weight loss. In this case, you should not overdo it since extremes can harm your health. All your actions must be coordinated with your doctor. Choose a professional you trust.
The choice of procedure should be based on individual indicators. Be sure to discuss all the nuances with your doctor. Here are some general criteria to consider. Gastric resection is suitable for many patients and has fewer complications. Gastric bypass is recommended for patients with a body mass index (BMI) above 45. The average weight loss over 12-18 months after gastric bypass surgery is 60-80% of excess weight. The patient will most likely lose 60-70% of excess weight with gastric resection.
After any surgery, it is essential to strictly follow the diet and lifestyle recommendations. After all, surgery is only the first step, although, of course, a very significant one. But then you must improve your diet, exercise, daily routine, and nutrition, and do everything to improve your health.
Are you struggling with extra pounds, and diets aren’t helping? It may be time to take drastic action. General and bariatric surgery using advanced minimally invasive techniques is a great solution that many people are turning to. It is important to choose a specialist you trust. Dr. Bilton is a board-certified general surgeon, a member of the American College of Surgeons and the ASMBS, and is fully qualified in general surgery. Under his guidance, our specialists will guide you through all the steps of weight loss procedures. We practice an individual approach and will help you choose the procedure that will be best for you. Schedule a consultation with us to learn all the details.
