Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Bypass: Quick Comparison

A comparison of gastric sleeve surgery verse gastric bypass surgery is presented below for people looking to decipher the differences. Each of the weight-loss surgeries are permanent and provide people a high rate of expected weight-loss.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric Sleeve, otherwise known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy or known as longitudinal "vertical" gastrectomy, is a laparoscopic bariatric weight-loss surgery aiming at reducing the stomach size by stapling the stomach and removing a part of it leaving a banana shaped sleeve or tube from the stomach. Read More...

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Also known as RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery is the most common form of laparoscopic surgery. As opposed to lap band surgery, which artificially limits the size of a patient's stomach, RNY gastric bypass surgery bypasses sections of the stomach and small intestine. Therefore less food is absorbed into your system. Read More...

Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Bypass

Weight Loss Surgery	Gastric Sleeve	RNY Gastric Bypass
Type of Bariatric Surgery	Purely Restrictive Reduces Stomach Capacity and Hunger Hormones	Restrictive & Malabsorption Reduces Stomach Capacity Alters Digestive Tract
Changes to Stomach	Stomach size reduced Up to 85% of the stomach is removed, the stomach is stapled together vertically.	Stomach size reduced and new stomach outlet (stoma) created Stomach is separated into two and stoma is created in the smaller upper pouch; lower remaining portion of the stomach is bypassed
Changes to Small Intestine	Kept intact	Cut and rerouted Small intestine is cut in the middle; upper section is bypassed and lower section is attached to the stoma
Average Operating Time	1 to 3 hours	2 hours
Average Hospital Stay	2 to 3 days	2 to 3 days
Average Time off Work	2 weeks	2 to 3 weeks
Average Recovery Time	3 weeks	3 months
Advantages	Less Complications, Risks and Side Effects than Gastric Bypass Limits food cravings by reducing the hormone Ghrelin Digestive Track Stays the Same Does not cause Dumping syndrome as the pyloric valve is kept intact Few problematic foods High Expected Weight-Loss	Fast, Consistent Weight-Loss Malabsorption Boosts Weight-Loss Long history of RNY Gastric Bypass means there is more known about the long-term results of the surgery
Disadvantages	Possible Leakage, Infection, Bleeding, and more. Permanent Newer procedure without long-term results Lacks major insurance coverage	General surgical risks including infection, bleeding, and blood clots Mostly Irreversible Procedure Possible Leakage, Gallstones, Bleeding, Ulcers and more. Requires More Nutritional Supplements and Vitamins. Dumping Syndrome Frequent.
Expected Weight Loss	Patients lose 60% to 70% of Excess Weight at about 2 Years	Patients lose about 70% of Excess Weight.