Obesity and being overweight are severe issues in the United States. WHO estimates that by 2025, approximately 167 million people – adults and children – will become less healthy because they are overweight or obese.
It has led to the rise of weight loss surgeries, like gastric sleeve surgery and involves removal of a large portion of the stomach, leaving a small “sleeve” or “tube.” The surgery limits how much you can eat and leads to weight loss.
For some people, one gastric sleeve is not enough. They may choose to have a gastric sleeve revision. It is when the surgeon goes back in and changes the stomach sleeve.
Read more: Can You Have Gastric Sleeve Surgery Twice?
What Is the Difference Between Vertical Sleeve Revision and Gastric Bypass?
1. The Route of Food Through the Digestive System
In a VSG, the stomach is stapled and divided vertically, creating a small sleeve-shaped pouch. This smaller stomach can hold less food and makes you feel full more quickly. The result is that you eat less and absorb fewer calories.
In gastric bypass, a small stomach pouch is created by stapling and dividing the stomach horizontally. A Y-shaped section of the small intestine is then connected to the pouch, bypassing a large portion of the stomach and small intestine. The procedure reduces the amount of food you can eat and limits calorie absorption.
2. Recovery Time
According to reviews, the average person can expect a hospital stay of about three to five days in a gastric sleeve revision to gastric bypass. Recovery time at home is usually anywhere from two to four weeks. Most people feel well enough to return to work and their normal activities within a month.
After a gastric bypass, you will need to take vitamin and mineral supplements for the rest of your life. You will also need to be monitored closely by your doctor to ensure you are getting enough nutrients and not developing any complications.
Some tips for faster recovery:
- Get plenty of rest
- Eat a healthy diet
- Take your medications as prescribed
- Avoid alcohol and smoking
- Exercise as directed by your doctor or physical therapist.
3. Cost
A vertical gastric sleeve revision involves making a new stomach pouch and reattaching it to the intestines. It is generally less expensive than a gastric bypass, which involves cutting and rerouting the intestines.
During the vertical sleeve gastrectomy, the surgeon removes a large portion of the stomach. It results in a smaller stomach size and reduced hunger hormones. The surgeon then staples the stomach closed.
With gastric bypass, the surgeon removes a small portion of the stomach and attaches it to the small intestine. This rerouting allows food to bypass a large portion of the stomach and intestines, which results in reduced calorie absorption.
ALO Bariatrics offers the best bariatric sleeve surgery in Tijuana, Mexico. We have an expert team of highly experienced surgeons performing gastric sleeve revisions and gastric bypasses for weight loss.
