Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Bypass

by with No Comment BariatricsBlogVirtual ConsultationsWeight lossWeight Loss Surgery

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.

Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Bypass

by BariatricsWeight Loss Surgery

Thanks to bariatric surgery, patients can finally beat obesity and take back their health with a minimally invasive yet effective procedure. When considering bariatric or weight loss surgery, as it’s often called, you’ll be happy to know that you can choose the exact surgery you’re getting. The final decision is dictated by your health and what you and your bariatric surgeon decide is best for you.

Let’s discuss the main differences between two of the most popular procedures available: Gastric Bypass and Gastric Sleeve Surgery.

When a patient has decided to explore bariatric surgery for weight loss, we often get the question: which one is better? Is a gastric bypass better than a gastric sleeve? What are the pros and cons of a gastric sleeve vs those of a gastric bypass? After talking with our talented bariatric surgeons, we learned that there simply isn’t a ‘best’ bariatric surgery, rather a ‘better bariatric surgery for you.’

What is Gastric Bypass?

During a gastric bypass, your bariatric surgeon will reduce the size of the functional area of your stomach, leaving you with a stomach pouch. After doing this, the doctor attaches a middle section of your small intestine to your new small stomach pouch, bypassing a significant part of your small intestine. The bypassed section of the intestine is responsible for absorbing both nutrients and calories. This really differentiates a gastric bypass from a gastric sleeve.

How does a Gastric Bypass help you lose weight?

A gastric bypass will help you lose excess weight on three different levels: a restrictive level, a malabsorptive level, and a metabolic level. In simpler terms, this means that:

  • The restrictive level limits the amount of food you can consume.
  • The malabsorptive level limits the calories and nutrients your body actually absorbs.
  • The metabolic level reduces the level of hunger-inducing hormones and increases the sensation of satiety even after small meals.

What are the main benefits of a Gastric Bypass?

  • The gastric bypass has been performed for decades, making it more of ‘routine’ surgery. This is particularly the case in patients with a BMI of 35-40.
  • By bypassing the intestines, you get a malabsorptive effect, something that cannot be achieved with a Gastric Sleeve.
  • A Gastric Bypass offers the unique benefit of helping in the remission of diabetes type 2. Since a portion of the small intestine is bypassed, the production of GLUT-1, the molecule that optimizes the use of glucose, decreases, basically curing diabetes.
  • Patients lose weight incredibly fast, usually between 60% and 80% of their weight. This is great when it comes to beating not only obesity but obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension. However, losing weight so fast can cause saggy skin. (Nothing that couldn’t be fixed with post-weight loss plastic surgery though!)

What is Gastric Sleeve?

During a gastric sleeve surgery, your surgeon will eliminate about 70 to 80% of your stomach. This will leave you with a ‘sleeve’ shaped stomach pouch. Your small intestine will keep on doing the same functions as before and no portion of it is bypassed.

How does a Gastric Sleeve help you lose weight?

A gastric sleeve will help you lose excess weight on two different levels:  a restrictive and a metabolic level. Just as the gastric bypass:

  • A restrictive level limits the amount of food you can ingest because a very large portion of the stomach is removed.
  • The metabolic level, because the portion of your stomach that is removed is responsible for producing ghrelin. The less ghrelin you produce, the less hungry and more satiated you’ll feel throughout the day.

What are the main benefits of a Gastric Sleeve?

  • A Gastric Sleeve is naturally less invasive, making it much safer for patients who have a BMI of 40 or higher.
  • While still losing up to 80% of the weight, causing less saggy skin. Saggy skin is a major concern for most bariatric patients after concluding their weight loss journey.
  • By not having a malabsorptive effect, patients who get a gastric sleeve don’t have such a high chance of developing nutrient or vitamin deficiencies. This, however, can be controlled if you follow your surgeon’s dietary guidelines after the surgery.
  • Has a comparable metabolic effect to bypass, also helping in the remission of chronic health problems related to obesity, such as Diabetes Mellitus type 2, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, obstructive sleep apnea, depression, arthritis, etc.

Gastric Bypass vs Gastric Sleeve…which one is better?

With both surgeries, patients lose up to 80% of their weight in the first year. Another thing that both gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery have in common is the commitment needed from the patient. Patients must follow a healthy diet plan and exercise regularly in order to effectively lose weight and keep it off.

You might be the perfect candidate for a gastric sleeve, or you might be the perfect candidate for a gastric bypass. Both surgeries have important pros and cons. Our advice? Do more research than you think you should. Discuss any doubts you have with your bariatric surgeon and evaluate which surgery, a gastric sleeve or a gastric bypass will help you beat obesity in the safest most effective way possible.


Call us now at 1 (619) 610-1667 to schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of VIDA Bariatrics’ highly skilled bariatric surgeons. Let’s beat obesity once and for all!

Gastric Sleeve: Why are weight loss results different?

by BariatricsWeight Loss Surgery

If you are reading this, you are probably doing some research about one of the most effective and safest bariatric procedures available: the Gastric Sleeve. Also known as a vertical sleeve gastrectomy, this is an advanced procedure that helps eligible patients lose excess weight and lead a healthier lifestyle. From happy patients and their success stories, we can assure that it is a life-changing procedure! And here at VIDA Bariatrics, we want to help you understand the surgery’s results. So, we sat down to chat with our board-certified bariatric surgeons who told us, first-hand, why don’t all patients lose the same amount of weight? This is by far one of the greatest concerns we hear from patients!

“The surgeon removes a significant portion of your stomach, leaving a small “stomach pouch”. This will benefit you, the patient, in two main ways: a smaller stomach means you will need to ingest less food and you will produce less Ghrelin, the hormone that signals hunger. This, combined with the patient’s commitment to follow a healthy diet, leads to sustained weight loss over time. My colleagues and I support our patients from start to finish, and we always recommend working alongside a nutritionist, but of course, results are different for everyone! Every patient is different, every lifestyle has certain variations and organisms react differently!”

We assure you that no two cases are the same, however, if the patient is committed to making lifelong-healthy changes, they can definitely expect to lose and keep off a significant percent of the weight.

“It is not uncommon for VIDA patients to come into their initial consultation and ask us exactly how much weight will they lose from Gastric Sleeve surgery. The truth is- every case is different. We prioritize our patient’s health and safety, that always comes first! And we never just tell patients that they can expect to lose a set amount of weight. I understand that living with obesity is frustrating, and the Gastric Sleeve is a tool to change their lives. It is however unfair to promise patients that they will lose a defined number of pounds in a limited amount of time. As experienced and honest bariatric surgeons, we are able to tell patients an approximate amount of weight but never without discussing first all of their doubts and helping them set proper expectations.”

Apart from the surgery, there are a variety of factors that will help a patient lose weight: diet, exercise and an overall commitment of changing unhealthy lifestyle habits. He also noted that the size of the “sleeve” the surgeon makes affects how much weight loss patients can expect. “This is why we take great care in explaining the procedure specifically for the patient and how it will help them.”

The first 6 months after surgery are a period of constant dramatic changes. “This is when most of the weightloss happens. On average, a patient who is dedicated, follows a diet and exercise plan, can expect to lose between 60% and 80% of their total weight loss. And, if patients are committed and work with the support team we have available at VIDA, including a nutritionist, they will likely keep on losing weight for around 24 months. Again, this changes with every patient. What I really like to stress is that their dedication to losing and keeping their weight off is what ultimately makes a difference.

The stomach is an elastic muscle, so if the patient falls back into bad habits and excessive eating, the ‘sleeve’ will start stretching again and patients can regain weight. Long-term weight loss requires an effort. Patients need to know they are not alone, we hear them, we understand their struggles and we are here to help! It makes me feel happy and proud to see how many patients’ lives improve after the surgery!”

Although the amount of weight loss is a major concern, our surgeons all agree that the benefits of a Gastric Sleeve extend far beyond pure weight loss. As we said at the beginning, we know it is a life-changing procedure. Starting your weightloss journey is only the beginning. The way you see yourself and the way you feel about yourself will change with every pound lost! The benefits of finally beating obesity will be different for every patient but one thing is certain, although no two patient’s weight loss story is the same, getting a Gastric Sleeve will improve your life and the way you interact with your loved ones. Give yourself the opportunity to live a healthier life. At VIDA we not only have the best bariatric surgeons in the region; we are also proud to be the first surgical facility in Mexico to receive international accreditation by QUAD A and have an entire staff dedicated to help YOU.


So, if you want to determine whether or not you are a candidate for a Gastric Sleeve or have doubts regarding the procedure, don’t wait any longer and contact us. Our bilingual staff will be more than happy to answer any question or set up an appointment. Call us at 1 (664) 608-6460 from Mexico, at 1 (619) 955-6845  from USA, or reach us at our toll-free number 1 (619)738-2144.
You can also email us at contact@vidawellnessandbeauty.com.

Is it safe to get a Gastric Sleeve in Mexico? YES!

by Bariatrics

When talking about life-changing medical procedures, Bariatric Surgery is in a league of its own! Among bariatric surgery procedures, the Gastric Sleeve is an option that for the right patient, can improve their lives and provide plenty of long-term benefits. Some of our former patients have even said that getting a gastric sleeve was a defining moment for the rest of their lives!

Do you think you may be a candidate for a gastric sleeve? Then consider coming to Tijuana for the surgery. Reasons? Well, a part of having some of the most experienced bariatric surgeons in the world, internationally-certified facilities that will aid in having a speedy recovery, an all-inclusive luxury experience, and a price tag that won’t make you break the bank, we want to make the possibility of YOU changing your life without risking your health a reality. Right here, in Tijuana, Mexico.  

So…Is it safe to get a gastric sleeve in Mexico? Short answer: Absolutely! Particularly if you choose the medical team here at VIDA.

Let us share with you the reasons why it is not only safe but wise, to choose to get a gastric sleeve here:

A solid base: Laparoscopic surgery in Mexico

While some patients will see great results from traditional bariatric surgery, Mexico has seen a rise in popularity in laparoscopic surgery. Less pain, less external scarring, and faster healing have made laparoscopic surgery a preferred method in many instances. These types of procedures have been done successfully in Mexico for years. In Tijuana, millions of patients come from all over the world to receive premium medical treatment. So, you can rest assured that Mexican doctors are experts in laparoscopic surgery.

VIDA Surgeons are Certified and true Experts

In Tijuana, Mexico, you’ll find that many clinics offer bariatric surgery. However, come to VIDA Bariatrics to be treated by the absolute best! Our bariatric experts are talented laparoscopic surgeons who genuinely care for their patient’s well-being and are the best at what they do! Our physicians are board-certified and members of some of the most important bariatric and laparoscopic medical societies in the region, such as the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO), American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the Mexican College of Surgery for Obesity and Metabolic Diseases. Having internationally accredited and experienced doctors are part of what ensures your safety, from the initial consultation to the last day of recovery and a lifetime of wellness.  

“We understand that our patients are people, not numbers, not profits, but people. They are human beings who have been dealing with obesity and need medical help to lose excess weight. We also understand that struggling with obesity goes far beyond the weight itself and that it is a disease that frustrates patients, their loved ones and affects their whole lives, increasing their risk of suffering from several obesity-related health conditions. I’ve made it my life’s mission to help every patient I see for a gastric sleeve or any bariatric procedure get remarkable results. Nothing makes me happier than a patient who loses weight, wins back his/her self-esteem and overall health. ”

Facilities that Exceed International Safety Standards.

At VIDA, we are honored to work with the best surgeons in the country and region, ensuring our patient’s health and safety. But we are also proud of our hospital and recovery center, both sure to exceed your safety expectations (as should be!). Our surgical facility, Cosmed Clinic, was the first in Mexico to receive international accreditation by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF), and we are also members of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), the leading professional association for board-certified plastic surgeons. We’d love for you to take a virtual tour of VIDA and see how every detail of our facilities is designed with your health and safety in mind, not to mention our top-notch boutique-style recovery rooms.

Affordable Safety.

We firmly believe that everyone should be able to change their lives without affecting their lives. Don’t make financial concerns a part of the equation. According to Realself, in the United States, a Gastric Sleeve can cost up to tens of thousands of dollars, making the procedure an unaffordable luxury for most patients. At VIDA, on the other hand, we have the privilege of offering you the possibility to start your weight loss journey with a Gastric Sleeve at a more affordable price. The procedure, including surgeon fees, anesthesiologist fees, lab work and your recovery stay starts at only $5,000 USD.

Conclusion: choosing certified surgeons and hospitals who always follow high-quality standards is what makes getting a Gastric Sleeve in Mexico safe. At VIDA, patient safety and satisfaction are always priority #1. Our medical staff will carefully evaluate your case and health before recommending a Gastric Sleeve. So, if you are ready to get rid of the excess weight that is holding you back from enjoying your life, we are here for you!  You can visit our website or contact us via phone, email, or Facebook. Call us at 1 (664) 608-6460 from Mexico, at 1 (619) 955-6845  from the USA, or reach us at our toll-free number 1 (619)738-2144. We are also available via email at contact@vidawellnessandbeauty.com. We can’t wait to hear from you!