Bariatric surgery is an effective way to lose weight in conjunction with diet and exercise. These procedures can also significantly improve obesity-related medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes. If you are obese or struggle with metabolic disorders related to your BMI, gastric bypass or gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy) can help you shed pounds and improve your life. But which one is best for you? The right one for your needs depends on your BMI (body mass index), co-existing health conditions and quality of life.
Our expert surgeons and the comprehensive team at Obesity Control Center will match you with the right procedure for your needs during your initial consultation. Gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are both safe and effective options that can help you lose massive amounts of weight.
Both procedures can lead to diabetes remission, which occurs when your blood sugar (glucose) levels fall below the threshold for diabetes without medication or treatment. Gastric bypass and gastric sleeve can eliminate your dependence on diabetic medication or significantly improve your ability to manage the condition. Each metabolic surgery has pros and cons.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass shrinks your stomach and reduces the calories and fat your body absorbs by disconnecting the stomach at the top section and creating a small pouch. The small intestine is looped upward to connect to the pouch. The surgery reroutes your gastrointestinal tract and “bypasses” most of the stomach, offering increased weight loss compared to the sleeve gastrectomy.
Candidates for gastric bypass have a BMI over 40 or a BMI of 35 and higher combined with at least two metabolic conditions or metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome refers to a group of disorders linked to obesity, including diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, sleep apnea and chronic kidney disease. If obesity affects your ability to move around and enjoy everyday life, gastric bypass might be the best method for you to achieve massive weight loss.
The gastric bypass procedure is more invasive than sleeve gastrectomy but offers faster weight loss. However, there is a risk of “dumping syndrome,” in which your body becomes sensitive to foods that are high in fat and sugar. Gastric bypass can impact your body’s ability to absorb and respond to certain medications, including psychiatric drugs for depression, anxiety and similar conditions. The gastric sleeve may be the better option if you have a mental health disorder effectively managed with medication.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Gastric Sleeve
Sleeve gastrectomy removes a portion of your stomach, reducing your stomach to a “sleeve.” The hormone that stimulates appetite (ghrelin) is produced in the removed section, which reduces the feeling of hunger. There is a slightly smaller risk of complications with gastric sleeve surgery (3 percent) than with gastric bypass (5 percent). The sleeve procedure may be best for you if you’ve had previous abdominal surgery or are considered high risk. (High-risk iniduals may have heart or lung problems.)
Patients who have the gastric sleeve procedure may take longer to lose weight, but both approaches offer massive weight loss within two years of the surgery, with up to 70 percent excess weight lost. Candidates for sleeve gastrectomy have a BMI over 40 or 35 and higher with two or more metabolic conditions. Sleeve gastrectomy is often the ideal way to achieve massive weight loss for those weighing more than 450 pounds, because fatty tissue limits the available space in the abdomen.
Both of these bariatric surgeries are excellent tools to improve your health. Gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy can reverse Type 2 diabetes and improve other chronic ailments such as arthritis, high blood pressure and sleep apnea.
Schedule Your Bariatric Surgery at Obesity Control Center Today
Obesity Control Center uses the latest technology and techniques to provide excellent patient care following US safety standards. We’ve helped people worldwide reach their weight loss and health goals and become a part of the #OCCFamily. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and see which bariatric surgery is right for you.
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