Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Bypass

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You may be considering bariatric surgery if you’ve struggled to reach and maintain a healthy weight or if you suffer from obesity-related health problems. When combined with a comprehensive weight-loss program, bariatric surgery is extremely effective.

Since there is more than one option for Bariatric Surgery we’ll explain the difference between Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass.

It can not only facilitate you in losing weight, but it can also assist in the improvement or complete elimination of obesity-related conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.  Gastric bypass and gastric sleeve are two of the most successful types of bariatric surgery. While both procedures can result in significant weight loss within 1-2 years of surgery, there are some differences.

What’s the difference between these two surgeries?

Gastric sleeve surgery

The surgeon permanently removes about 80% of your stomach during gastric sleeve surgery. What’s left is packed into a stomach tube. There are no other changes.

Gastric bypass surgery

During this procedure, a small portion of the stomach is isolated, and the end of the small intestine is connected to the new stomach pouch, rerouting food around a large portion of the digestive system.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Is there a difference in recovery?

Gastric bypass surgery is more time-consuming to perform than gastric sleeve surgery. This is because gastric bypass requires more modifications to the digestive system than the sleeve.  Both gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgery are generally performed through laparoscopic surgery. To perform the surgery, lighted scope with a camera called a laparoscope and other tools are inserted through several small incisions in your abdomen. After gastric sleeve surgery, you should be able to return home in one or two days.

Who is a good candidate for this surgery?

CRITERIAGASTRIC BYPASSGASTRIC SLEEVE
BMI 40+✔️✔️
BMI 35-39.9 and additionally 2 or more related metabolic conditions✔️✔️
Metabolic syndrome✔️✔️

*Gastric sleeve is recommended to patients with metabolic syndrome

Do I need to make dietary changes?

YES. Dietary changes before and after either surgery are required. Dietary changes after gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass surgery are essentially the same.

Timeline:

  • You will need to be on a liquid diet for about 2 weeks after your surgery.
  • You will need to eat pureed food and soft food for the next 2 weeks, then  softer food.
  • You’ll be able to eat normal food 30 to 40 days after surgery. 

The size of your stomach pouch, which affects how much you can eat, is the most significant difference in your postoperative diet. The pouch created by either gastric sleeve or bypass surgery holds about 3 ounces.

Following are some important dietary guidelines to follow after your gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery:

  • Eat small portions and stop when you’re satisfied.
  • Thoroughly chew your food
  • Eat slowly and take time to digest 
  • Take vitamins and supplements that are recommended by your doctor
  • Drink enough water to stay hydrated
  • Avoid difficult-to-digest foods like tough meat and bread
  • Carbonated beverages should be avoided 

Over time, your stomach pouch will stretch. After bariatric surgery, it’s critical not to overeat because your pouch can stretch to allow you to regain the weight you lost.


What are the pros and cons?

Pros and cons of gastric sleeve surgery

PROS

  • Up to 65 percent of your excess body weight can be lost.
  • Compared to gastric bypass, recovery time is shorter.
  • Absorption of nutrients and vitamins is not impaired.
  • Dumping syndrome is not as common

CONS

  • In comparison to gastric bypass, less weight is lost.
  • It can’t be reversed 


Pros and cons of gastric bypass surgery

PROS

  • Up to 80% of your excess body weight can be lost.
  • Bypassing the small intestine, fewer calories are absorbed.
  • It is possible to reverse the process, though it is difficult.

CONS

  • Since it implies more anatomical changes, there’s a higher chance of complications.
  • Intestinal bypass causes nutrient and vitamin malabsorption, which can lead to deficiencies.
  • Dumping syndrome is more common.
  • Risk of internal hernias, intestinal obstruction, or ulcers.

A gastric sleeve is a procedure that involves removing a portion of the stomach. A gastric bypass involves the creation of a small gastric pouch and the rerouting of the small bowel. Because the small bowel is rerouted, it is more invasive than the sleeve. Have an open and honest discussion with your surgeon about your fears and your goals. You should walk away confident that you chose the best procedure for you.

DISCLAIMER

If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider.

What to Eat After Bariatric Surgery

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We have already discussed that getting a Gastric Sleeve is only part of the equation. The magic formula to losing weight and keeping it off? A long-term healthy diet after the procedure. In fact, the secret to being a successful bariatric patient? Still, a healthy, balanced diet for life.

If you are reading this, you are probably doing research on life after bariatric surgery. The bariatrics staff at VIDA Bariatrics wants to help you be prepared and know what to expect, once you’ve been discharged and are ready to take your new stomach pouch for a spin. Let’s start your weight loss journey the right way, with realistic expectations and knowing how you can make the most out of the procedure.

Food after Gastric Sleeve Surgery will not change.

Your habits won’t change automatically either. This is where you must consult with your doctor so you can eat the right way after getting any bariatric surgery. One of the benefits of getting a Gastric Sleeve is that not only are you getting a smaller stomach, but also the Grehlin hormone, which causes hunger, will be substantially reduced. Even after all of this, it is still possible to overeat.

Eating Too Fast After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Eating too fast after Gastric Sleeve surgery is also something you should be conscious about. First, your stomach is still elastic, so if you overeat constantly, you will overstretch it again. Second, take into account that as you eat, your stomach sends a signal to your brain so you get that feeling of fullness. This is not always simultaneous, and like any muscle, your stomach has memory: it was used to being overfed. It is particularly important for bariatric patients to remember this and be aware of their eating habits!

Understanding your diet after Gastric Sleeve Surgery

The following weeks are a vital part of the procedure. Your bariatric surgeon will give you simple instructions on how to reintroduce food the proper way to your new stomach. Remember that in the first week after surgery, your diet will mostly consist of clear liquids. Introducing food too early can potentially hurt your esophagus and cause you unnecessary pain. Around 10 days after surgery, you can expect to start feeling like new again, this includes feeling hungry. The focus is still on a mostly soft diet. At the 3-week mark, soft solid meals can be included. Most patients will be cleared to eat a normal diet around a month post-surgery. This, however, means that you still have to be mindful of the ingredients in all of your meals, be it liquid or solid. Simple carbs, fried foods, over-processed foods, and large amounts of sugar after Gastric sleeve are a straight no. Being conscious of your diet post-surgery and for the rest of your life are the key to success!

From entrées to bariatric snacks: what and how you should eat!

Apart from some dangerous problems that may result from not eating balanced meals; such as diarrhea, gas, and vomiting, life-long benefits will only be achieved through life-long eating habits.

It is important to know the nutritional quality of our food. These are some of the basics to keep in mind:

  • Eat small portions and at a slower pace
  • Don’t drink your calories, beware of carbohydrate and sugar contents in sodas, juices, and other drinks
  • Avoid drinking water while you eat
  • Plan your meals and snacks

With the help of a nutritionist, you can work on a meal plan that is feasible for you and gentle with your Gastric Sleeve.

Best Snacks for Bariatric Patients

Snacking is sometimes associated with weight gain. While any dedicated bariatric patient will take all the precautions to follow a healthy diet, avoiding snacks is the wrong approach. VIDA Bariatrics advises to instead practice mindful snacking. Go for low calorie, high protein snacks such as plain yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese, egg whites, and lean meats. Choose whole foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables make great snacks. Raw nuts such as almonds and cashews, with no salt or sugar added, are easy to carry and their “crunch” will help curb cravings.

Reaching Ketosis after Gastric Sleeve

Eating healthy fats instead of carbs or sugars will also help you reach ketosis. Ketosis is a normal metabolic process that will help you burn unwanted fat. The principle of ketosis is simple:  you burn more fat when you rely on healthy fats for fueling your body instead of carbs. Bariatric patients can benefit from reaching ketosis after Gastric Sleeve surgery and lose weight, lose stubborn fat and achieve an overall healthier metabolism.

Are you considering bariatric surgery but want more information? Let us help you understand the procedures, their advantages and prepare you for the changes you can expect afterward! Contact us now at (619)610-1667.

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