Weight loss surgery has become widespread in recent years, with gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass surgery at the top of the list. Also known as bariatric surgery, weight loss surgery provides a variety of health benefits in addition to losing a significant amount of excess weight quickly. Gastric sleeve and gastric bypass are the most effective treatments for morbid obesity.
So what is the difference between gastric sleeve vs gastric bypass?
Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) is rapidly rising as the most popular type of weight loss surgery around the world. More commonly known as gastric sleeve surgery, VSG removes up to 85% of the patient's stomach, while leaving behind a small, sleeve-shaped pouch. The gastric sleeve procedure uses only restriction mechanism as the main component of weight loss.
Gastric bypass surgery uses both restriction and malabsorption to offer one of highest amounts of excess weight loss compared to other weight loss procedures. In the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RNYGB), first, a new stomach pouch is formed called the Stoma, leaving the rest of the stomach intact.
Then, the small intestine is divided into two and is joined with the new pouch. As a result, the caloric intake is decreased as there are fewer nutrients absorbed into the body.
The below infographic by Mexico Bariatric Center gives the overview of Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Bypass.
