Deciding that you’d like to have bariatric and metabolic surgery triggers another decision – exactly which type of surgery should you have?
We offer a full range of weight loss endoscopic and surgical options. Here, we’ll compare two common types: the gastric sleeve and the gastric bypass. Each type has its own set of risks and benefits, and each may suit different patients.
Let’s take a look at each one.
What is gastric sleeve surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery is a type of bariatric surgery where the surgeon permanently removes approximately 80% of the stomach in order to achieve a more streamlined shape. The gastric sleeve surgery works by controlling meal portion size and helps reduce appetite through the removal of part of the stomach that produces the hunger hormone – ghrelin.
What is gastric bypass surgery?
Gastric bypass surgery does not remove a portion of the stomach. Instead, staples are used to separate the stomach into a smaller pouch. This pouch is joined to the lower part of the small intestines so that ingested food bypasses most of the stomach and a portion of the small intestines. The gastric bypass works by decreasing the quantity of food you can eat in one sitting and its absorption.
What do a gastric bypass and gastric sleeve have in common?
These two surgeries share a common goal. They aim to support efficient weight loss by reducing the amount of food you can eat, while initiating hormonal changes that reduce appetite (e.g. reduce ghrelin) and the way we process food.
Ghrelin is a hormone secreted by the stomach, and it makes you feel hungry. Reducing the amount of ghrelin in your body will also reduce your sensation of hunger.
There are many other similarities between gastric sleeve and gastric bypass. Each surgery is:
- Laparoscopic or robotic – also known as ‘keyhole surgery’, this is a minimally invasive technique with small incisions
- Performed under a general anaesthetic
- Reinforced by long-term changes to your diet and activity levels
- Has proven long-term sustainable weight loss outcomes.
What are some of the main differences between gastric sleeve and gastric bypass?
| Gastric sleeve | Gastric bypass | |
| Average excess weight loss percentage | 70% | 70-80% |
| Better diabetes control | ✓ | |
| quicker weight loss? | ✓ | |
| longer operating time? | ✓ | |
| lower risk (short and long-term) profile | ✓ | |
| Is it reversible? | ✓ | |
| LESS likely to cause dumping syndrome | ✓ | |
| LESS likely to cause volume reflux | ✓ | |
| Fewer nutritional issues | ✓ | |
| Is appropriate for certain high-risk medical conditions | ✓ | |
| More revisional weight loss options | ✓ | |
| Recovery time | Similar | Similar |
Generally, recovery time will vary depending on each individual patient. Despite the gastric bypass surgery being of a more complex nature, recovery times between the two types of surgeries are comparable. Approximately, a 2-3 day hospital stay is expected with about 3-4 weeks of long-term recovery before resuming normal activities.
Fundamentally, these two operations can be quite different and choosing which one to opt for can be very confusing. This is where seeking a professional opinion can help you decide on which of these two surgical operations are best suited to you.
How can we help?
As Australia’s first internationally accredited Centre of Bariatric Excellence, we provide high-quality bariatric and metabolic surgery with wrap-around care from a highly experienced multidisciplinary team.
To help you decide which surgery is right for you, Dr Cheng will consult with you to help you make a decision that:
- Is sustainable for you in the long term
- Is suitable for your medical conditions and overall health
- Has the best chances of good results while lowering risks
- Meets your goals.
To get started, please call us on (02) 9587 8813 and speak to one of our trusted team or complete our enquiry form.
ll information is general in nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Dr. Qiuye Cheng can consult with you to confirm if this advice is right for you.
Our team recognises the crucial role that you, as the primary medical carer, play for the patient. Dr. Cheng will always be committed to working in partnership with you to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
