Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThe SurgeryDifferencesComparisonsWhich Is Right for You?Frequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
The Surgery
Differences
Comparisons
Which Is Right for You?
Frequently Asked Questions
The best weight loss surgery option for you will depend on factors like your weight, medical history, expectations, and personal preferences.
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What Is Bariatric Surgery?
“Bariatric surgery"is another term for “weight loss surgery.” If someone experiencingobesityhas difficulty losing weight through lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, they may consider bariatric surgery.
Gastric Sleeve
Gastric sleeve surgeryalso called alaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy,is the most common type of bariatric surgery.
During this procedure, approximately 80% of the stomach is surgically removed, including the area of the stomach that produces the most ghrelin, known as the hunger hormone.The stomach becomes much smaller and is shaped like a banana.
After the procedure, the stomach cannot hold as much food, and you experience less hunger. Overall, you will consume fewer calories and improve your metabolism, which can lead to weight loss and better blood sugar control.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery: Overview
Gastric Bypass
During this procedure, the stomach is stapled, creating a small upper pouch and blocking off the lower portion of the stomach. Then, the middle section of the small intestine (called thejejunum) is connected to the small upper pouch.
Other Types of Bariatric Surgery
Gastric Bypass Surgery: Overview
Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass Differences
Requirements
Candidates for bariatric surgery include people who have:
How to Calculate Your BMI (Body Mass Index)
Success Rate
Bariatric surgeries are usually very successful. About 90% of people who have bariatric surgery lose 50% of excess body weight and keep it off long term.
Recovery
The two surgical procedures involve similar lengths of hospital stays (one to three days) and overall recovery times (four to six 6 weeks).
Ultimately, recovery time will depend on your unique situation, including your presurgical weight, mobility, and any co-occurring conditions.
Complications
Dietary Changes
Comparing Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass
Gastric Sleeve Pros and Cons
Pros of gastric sleeve surgery:
Cons of gastric sleeve surgery:
What to Expect 10 Years After Gastric Sleeve
Gastric Bypass Pros and Cons
Malnutrition After Gastric Bypass Surgery
Which One Is Right for You?
Talk to a healthcare provider or bariatric surgeon about which surgery is right for you.
Summary
The right type of surgery for you will depend on individual factors like BMI, co-occurring health conditions, expectations, and goals.
Bariatric surgery, when combined with a commitment to lifestyle and dietary changes, can lead to long-term weight loss. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, about 90% of people who have bariatric surgery lose 50% of excess body weight and keep it off long term.Learn MoreBariatric Surgery: Everything You Need to Know
Bariatric surgery, when combined with a commitment to lifestyle and dietary changes, can lead to long-term weight loss. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, about 90% of people who have bariatric surgery lose 50% of excess body weight and keep it off long term.
Learn MoreBariatric Surgery: Everything You Need to Know
Bariatric surgeries are safe procedures that can be performed laparoscopically (through small incisions), but like any major surgery, they can result in postoperative pain.Learn MoreRisks of Bariatric Surgery: Is It Worth It?
Bariatric surgeries are safe procedures that can be performed laparoscopically (through small incisions), but like any major surgery, they can result in postoperative pain.
Learn MoreRisks of Bariatric Surgery: Is It Worth It?
Learn MoreGastric Bypass Surgery: Overview
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Arterburn DE, Telem DA, Kushner RF, Courcoulas AP.Benefits and risks of bariatric surgery in adults: a review.JAMA. 2020;324(9):879-887. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.12567
American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.Bariatric surgery procedures.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Potential candidates for weight loss surgery.
American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.Benefits of weight loss surgery.
National Health Service.Afterwards: weight loss surgery.
Pavone G, Tartaglia N, Porfido A, Panzera P, Pacilli M, Ambrosi A.The new onset of GERD after sleeve gastrectomy: A systematic review.Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2022;77:103584. doi: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.103584
Sherf Dagan S, Goldenshluger A, Globus I, et al.Nutritional recommendations for adult bariatric surgery patients: clinical practice.Advances in Nutrition. 2017;8(2):382-394. doi: 10.3945/an.116.014258
Baptist Health.Gastric sleeve surgery.
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