Pros and Cons of Gastric Sleeve vs. Gastric Bypass Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico
Gastric Sleeve or Gastric Bypass?
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 aspects that include 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.
Determining which type of bariatric surgery best meets your needs is an incredibly important decision during your treatment planning.
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 that shows significant weight loss results, becoming 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, these 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.
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 consuming fewer calories and, ultimately, substantial weight loss. It is a less complicated surgery than gastric bypass.
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 surgeries without complications, both procedures share many of the same risks, such as:
- Infection
- Gastrointestinal leakage
- Blood clots
- Malnutrition
- Gallstones
- Side effects from general anesthesis
While these bariatric procedures are considered, 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 and can cause vomiting, painful cramping, and diarrhea.
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.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Pros
- Less complex than gastric bypass
- Reduced risk of dumping syndrome
- Less post-operative vitamin supplementation
- Can be converted into a gastric bypass
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cons
- May cause or exacerbate acid reflux
- Stomach pouch can stretch due to overeating
- Less excess body weight lost
Gastric Bypass Pros
- Reduces the incidence of obesity-related conditions
- Most patients achieve more significant weight loss
Gastric Bypass Cons
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Longer hospital stay and recovery time
- Stomach ouch can stretch
- Can result in altered alcohol metabolism
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.*
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
- 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. Our staff will help determine your eligibility. Ether bariatric surgery is appropriate.
Contact Tijuana Bariatric Center online to schedule your consultation and be connected with a skilled bariatric surgeon who can help you achieve your weight loss goals.
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Tijuana Bariatric Center is a facilitator company providing scheduling and marketing services. It is not a medical facility or healthcare provider. Tijuana Bariatric Center℠shall not be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in reliance on this information. This information does not constitute medical advice, results are not guaranteed, may not be permanent, and can vary per individual and does not establish any physician-patient relationship. The correct venue for claims regarding the actual medical services provided either by the medical facilities or surgeons or medical staff will be Mexico. Any claims against Tijuana Bariatric Center℠ must be asserted within 90 days of the event.
