Gastric Sleeve Vs Gastric Bypass

Exploring Gastric Sleeve vs. Gastric Bypass Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico

Gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery are two of the most popular bariatric procedures that the Tijuana Bariatric Center can coordinate for patients who wish to achieve a substantial loss of excess body weight.

While these very similar procedures share certain attributes, such as reduced mortality and better life quality, significant differences may make one surgery more appropriate for your needs. By working with a certified bariatric surgeon and our team of doctors within the Tijuana Bariatric Center preferred network, you can determine whether gastric sleeve vs. gastric bypass surgery is right for you.

Gastric Bypass vs. Gastric Sleeve Which is Right for Me?

The type of weight loss surgery that is best for you depends on several factors, including:

Current weight and body mass index (BMI)
Weight loss goals
Medical history
Pre-existing health conditions
Personal preference

Committing to gastric sleeve or bypass surgery to achieve a healthy weight can improve or resolve various health issues, including high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and other obesity-related conditions. Talk with a Tijuana Bariatric Center doctor about the above factors and which weight loss surgery option is the most appropriate for you so you can make an informed decision.

Before & Afters Bariatric Surgery

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Comparing the Surgical Procedures

While gastric bypass surgery has been a trusted weight loss procedure for many years, gastric sleeve surgery has grown in popularity because of its less invasive nature. It delivers significant weight loss results and has become the most widely performed bariatric procedure in the world.

To undergo either gastric sleeve or bypass, patients should be at least 18 years old. However, the procedures are not usually recommended for patients over 65. These bariatric surgeries are best for patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 but can also benefit those with a BMI of 30 or more who are struggling with serious health concerns related to excess weight.

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Meet Dr. Fernando Garcia

The Gastric Sleeve Procedure

During gastric sleeve surgery, a weight loss procedure strictly restrictive in nature, the actual size of the stomach is reduced. Also known as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, this obesity surgery removes about 80% of the organ to create a sleeve-shaped tube. This allows patients to become fuller faster and stay full for extended periods, greatly restricting how much patients can eat at one time. The newly created stomach pouch prevents overeating, leading to the consumption of fewer calories and, ultimately, substantial weight loss. It is a less complicated surgery than gastric bypass.

The Gastric Bypass Procedure

In comparison, gastric bypass surgery relies on both malabsorptive and restrictive techniques. During gastric bypass surgery, your bariatric surgeon will section the stomach into two separate areas. The top portion, or small stomach pouch, is where the food you consume will be directed. The pouch is then connected further down the small intestine, bypassing the initial section where the body absorbs most of the nutrients to reduce the number of calories the body takes in. This surgery also involves rerouting a portion of the small intestine to allow digestive juices to mix with the food consumed.

Surgical Complications and Potential Risks

While the bariatric doctors in our network have completed thousands of successful surgeries without complications, both procedures share many of the same risks, such as:

Infection
Gastrointestinal leakage
Blood clots
Malnutrition
Gallstones
Side effects from general anesthesia

Gastric sleeve surgery is less invasive. This can lead to certain benefits, such as reduced recovery time. Additionally, gastric bypass patients are more likely to develop dumping syndrome. This condition, involving rapid gastric emptying, occurs when a patient consumes large amounts of sugar or eats certain foods too quickly. It can cause vomiting, painful cramping, and diarrhea.

Top 5 Reasons to Choose Tijuana Bariatric Center

Unrivaled Expertise – Our team is composed of board-certified surgeons with decades of combined experience in bariatric surgery, ensuring patients receive superior care. With over 10,000 successful procedures performed, we strive to exceed expectations for excellence.
A Holistic Approach to Weight Loss – Our care extends far past surgery. We offer in-depth education, individualized dietary counseling, access to our social support groups online, and ongoing email follow-up.
A Track Record for Safety – Our center is equipped with the latest in cutting-edge bariatric surgical technology, providing safer and more effective treatments. In addition, our hospital settings are immaculate and we follow the strictest international safety protocols.
Affordable, Transparent Pricing – Located in Tijuana, Mexico, the Tijuana Bariatric Center provides world-class weight loss solutions at a fraction of the cost. Many qualified patients in the United States and elsewhere put off surgery due to prohibitive pricing. We believe that every individual deserves the freedom and well-being that comes with weight loss surgery. We therefore insist on transparency and straightforwardness when it comes to crafting a treatment plan that suits your budget.
A Dedication to Continuous Learning – All of our team members continuously strive to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to advances in bariatric medicine. We regularly attend industry seminars, networking events, and conferences to ensure our practice incorporates the latest in groundbreaking bariatric procedures.

Pros and Cons of Gastric Bypass vs. Gastric Sleeve

As with any other type of weight loss surgery, patients must weigh the pros and cons. For very obese patients who need to lose a significant amount of excess body weight, a gastric bypass procedure may be the better weight-loss surgery option.

Procedure	Pros	Cons
Gastric Sleeve	Less complex than gastric bypass Reduced risk of dumping syndrome Less postoperative vitamin supplementation Can be converted into a gastric bypass	May cause or exacerbate acid reflux Stomach pouch can stretch due to overeating Less excess body weight lost
Gastric Bypass	Reduces the incidence of obesity-related conditions Most patients achieve more significant weight loss	Nutritional deficiencies Longer hospital stay and recovery time Stomach pouch can stretch Can result in altered alcohol metabolism

I went to Dr. Garcia for a revision surgery from sleeve to gastric bypass (RNY). Dr. Garcia, Dr Velazco, and his entire staff were awesome and very attentive. The hospital was very clean and a close walk to the beach. I'm 4 days away from my 6-month post-op date. I was 259 lbs when I started this journey and I'm 169 pounds now. I've lost 90 pounds in under 6 months! I have 44 more to go to my goal. I can't say enough good things about Dr Garcia and his staff. Being a paramedic, I was skeptical of having surgery in Mexico. After this experience, I can't recommend it strongly enough! My ONLY regret was that I waited so long to have it done!

Expected Results and Lifestyle Changes

Both gastric sleeve and gastric bypass patients lose more than half of their weight.
However, results largely depend on a patient’s lifestyle and commitment to sustaining weight loss. While all obese patients must implement healthy lifestyle changes that include a diet high in protein and an increased exercise regimen, gastric bypass patients will need to consume greater amounts of vitamin and mineral supplements to maintain healthy nutrient levels in the body.

Contact Tijuana Bariatric Center online today to schedule your consultation and be connected with a skilled bariatric surgeon who can help you achieve your weight loss goals.