Most people fail to lose weight or reduce excessive obesity with diet and exercise. These people turn to weight loss surgeries to achieve their goals. Gastric sleeve and bariatric surgeries are standard procedures that help people lose weight.
A growing body of research evidence shows that gastric sleeve and bariatric surgery have lower death rates for people with severe obesity. What is gastric sleeve surgery? How is it different from bariatric surgery?
How much does each cost? What are the pros and cons of these surgical procedures? Today’s article will give you essential details to help you make an informed decision and undergo a procedure that best fits your needs. Read on!
| Gastric Sleeve | Bariatric Surgery |
|---|---|
| A bariatric procedure that removes 75-80% of the stomach | A common procedure in the US for those with excessive weight and health complications |
| Creates a narrow sleeve by stapling the stomach vertically | Has two stages, first stage is similar to gastric sleeve and second stage connects the intestine’s end to the duodenum to bypass most of the intestine |
| Pros: efficient, quick weight loss, safe for high-risk patients, no long-term nutrient deficiency | Pros: resolves obesity-related complications, dramatic weight loss, improved quality of life |
| Cons: irreversible, can cause long-term acid reflux/heartburn, poor metabolism over time | Cons: psychological, nutritional, or gastrointestinal complications, risk of weight regain if not following strict exercise/diet regimen |
| Ideal candidate: Overweight by 100 lbs or BMI >= 40 (35 with complications) | Ideal candidate: BMI >= 35 and suffering from chronic conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease |
| Average cost: $9,000 – $27,000 | Average cost: $7,400 – $33,000 (before insurance coverage) |
| Healing duration: 2-3 weeks for incision healing, 6-8 weeks for stomach staple line, 1 month to start normal exercise | Healing duration: 2-3 days hospital stay, 3-5 weeks to resume daily activities |
What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Do you want to lose weight and prevent the risk of chronic conditions? If yes, gastric sleeve is ideal for weight loss. Gastric sleeve surgery is a bariatric procedure requiring the surgeon to remove 75% or 80% of the stomach. Gastric sleeve is one of the most common weight loss surgeries in the United States.
A board-certified and experienced surgeon creates a narrow sleeve during gastric sleeve surgery. The purpose is to vertically staple your stomach and remove its curvy. The average duration of gastric sleeve surgery is 1.5 hours. Once the surgeon completes the surgery, and you wake up, the medical staff will monitor your health to determine whether you have any complications.
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a common procedure in the United States, and hundreds of thousands of people with excessive weight and chronic health complications undergo bariatric surgery to achieve their health goals.
Unlike gastric sleeve, bariatric surgery has two stages or steps. The first is similar to gastric sleeve surgery, and the second requires the surgeon to connect your intestine’s end portion to the duodenum. The surgeon’s goal is to bypass most of the intestine.
Pros and Cons of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
The most significant benefit of gastric sleeve surgery is efficient, reliable, and quick weight loss. Likewise, it does not require much time to perform the procedure and is safer for high-risk patients. In addition, gastric sleeve surgery does not lead to long-term nutrient deficiency, unlike other bariatric procedures.
However, the procedure has a few downsides, such as this surgery is irreversible and can cause long-term acid reflux or heartburn. Some patients also experience poor metabolism over time.
For instance, your body may not store and process energy efficiently and reliably. On the other hand, gastric bypass is a type of bariatric surgery that focuses on metabolic improvement.
Pros and Cons of Bariatric Surgery
Numerous research studies highlight the advantages and disadvantages of bariatric surgery. Among the benefits are the resolution of obesity-related comorbidities, reduced complications following the procedure, dramatic weight loss, and improved quality of life.
However, some patients may experience psychological, nutritional, or gastrointestinal complications. You will regain weight if you fail to follow a strict exercise and dietary regimen.
Ideal Candidate for Gastric Sleeve and Bariatric Surgery
You are an ideal candidate for gastric sleeve surgery if you are overweight about 100 pounds or your body-to-mass index (BMI) is equal to or greater than 40. If your BMI is 35, but you have weight-related complications, such as hypertension, type-2 diabetes, or sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, you can undergo a gastric sleeve.
On the other hand, you are a suitable candidate for bariatric surgery if your BMI is equal to or greater than 35 and you suffer from chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
We recommend consulting our professional, board-certified, and experienced bariatric surgeon at Miami Lakes Cosmetics to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for a gastric sleeve or bariatric surgery.
Cost Comparison of Gastric Sleeve and Bariatric Surgery
The average cost of gastric sleeve surgery in the United States is between $9,000 and $27,000. On the other hand, the average cost of bariatric surgery in the U.S is between $7,400 and $33,000 before insurance coverage.
However, the cost depends on the surgery type, surgeon’s experience, operating room facilities, and equipment quality. For example, gastric bypass is the most expensive bariatric surgery in the U.S, with an average cost between $20,000 and $25,000.
Healing Duration of Gastric Sleeve and Bariatric Surgery
Research shows that the average duration of gastric sleeve recovery or healing is between two and three weeks. However, this period is for incision healing. The stomach staple line will heal between six and eight weeks. You can start a normal exercise routine after one month. We recommend following your surgeon’s instructions to speed up recovery.
In contrast, most bariatric surgery is laparoscopic, requiring the surgeon to make small incisions or cuts, leading to a shorter recovery time. You will stay in the hospital or surgery center for two to three days and resume daily activities in three to five weeks.
What to Do Next?
Gastric sleeve and bariatric surgeries are common procedures that reduce excess weight and decrease the risk of life-threatening conditions, such as heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and metabolic disorders.
Miami Lakes has served hundreds of patients with obesity and treated them via a gastric sleeve or bariatric surgery based on their specific needs. We have a team of qualified, certified, experienced, and skilled surgeons who follow evidence-based approaches to perform gastric sleeve or bariatric surgery. Contact us today for more information.
