< Back Request a Consult

The pros and cons of different procedures

What to Expect

Weight Loss Surgery: Which Procedure Should I Choose?

Download PDF version

SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY

This procedure reduces the amount of food you can consume by surgically removing about 80% of the stomach. The remaining 20% and the connection to the small intestines stay intact. No re-routing of the food stream. Like the gastric bypass, it promotes satiety, suppresses hunger and can improve symptoms of diabetes type 2.

  • Surgery takes about 1-2 hours
  • 1-2 days in the hospital
  • Bigger part of the stomach is removed
  • Back to normal activities after 3-5 weeks

Pros

  • Induces rapid weight loss comparable to the gastric bypass
  • Allows you to maintain a diet without being hungry
  • Reduces appetite and enhances satiety
  • No foreign objects or rerouting of the food stream
  • Shorter hospital stay of 1-2 days

Cons

  • Non-reversible
  • Requires life-long supplementation of vitamins

GASTRIC BYPASS

This procedure reduces the amount of food you can consume by surgically disconnecting about 85% of the stomach from the food stream. A smaller pouch is formed from the upper part of the stomach and re-routed directly into the small intestines. It further promotes satiety, suppresses hunger, can improve symptoms of diabetes type 2 and 95% of patients experience improvements in quality of life.

  • Surgery takes about 2-3 hours
  • 2-3 or more days in the hospital
  • Bigger part of the stomach is disconnected but remains functional
  • Back to normal activities after 3-5 weeks

Pros

  • Long-term weight loss of 60 - 80% of excess weight
  • Allows you to maintain a diet without being hungry
  • Reduces appetite and enhances satiety
  • Considered gold standard of weight loss surgery

Cons

  • 2-3 or more days in the hospital
  • Higher risk of complications due to the more complex nature of the procedure
  • Requires life-long supplementation of vitamins

Explore More Topics: