3 Advantages Of The Gastric Sleeve Over The Gastric Bypass

Gastric sleeve surgery, or "the sleeve," is one of several forms of bariatric surgery that can help you lose weight and could reverse some chronic diseases like hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Another common option is gastric bypass. Sleeve patients typically lose weight slower than bypass patients, but the long-term weight loss may be similar. The are several reasons you may want the sleeve over the gastric bypass.

Less Chance Of Nutrient Deficiencies

Since part of the success of the gastric bypass not only relies on eating smaller meals but also malabsorption of food, there can be a chance of becoming nutrient deficient, which is less likely to occur in the sleeve. Nutrient deficiencies are also less likely to occur with the bypass than the duodenal switch, which is another type of bariatric surgery that combines the sleeve with a malabsorption component. Regardless of the type of bariatric surgery you have, your surgeon will take regular blood work to look for any signs of deficiencies. Nutrient deficiencies are more likely to occur in people who do not maintain their vitamin regimens because it is impossible for them to receive adequate nutrients with a small stomach. Another deficiency that is important is becoming protein deficient, which is also less common with the sleeve. Many people sip on protein beverages throughout the day to have adequate protein intake.

No More NSAIDs

Another concern with having the bypass versus the sleeve is you will have to give up your use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The risk of bleeding and ulcers from NSAIDs is significantly higher in people who use NSAIDs that had bypass instead of the sleeve. You should weigh the decision carefully, because it may be easy to say you will give up NSAIDs to have the bypass. Unfortunately, NSAIDs are an important group of pain medications that can improve numerous types of pain. Additionally, some people who have chronic issues, such as arthritis, which often develops later in life, may need to take NSAIDs frequently to control pain and become more mobile. With fewer opioids being prescribed for chronic, post-operative, and palliative pain, you may only be left with acetaminophen.

Keep Your Pyloric Sphincter

Your pyloric sphincter is the valve between your stomach and the small intestines. When the sphincter works correctly, it allows food to pass from the stomach into the small intestines and also prevents food from coming back from the small intestine into the stomach. During the procedure for the sleeve, the stomach is cut in such a way that the normal connection between the stomach and small intestines is preserved. In contrast, bypass surgery creates a new connection between the stomach and small intestines. Since the new connection is artificial, it may not work as intended.

Your current weight and health problems may be a deciding factor when considering which bariatric surgery you have. For most people, the gastric sleeve is a better option than the bypass, with long-term weight loss between the two procedures being similar. Contact a medical clinic for more information regarding gastric sleeve surgery.

Share