Gastric Bypass & Gastric Sleeve Surgeons in Amarillo

Individuals who are considering bariatric surgery for weight loss have multiple options. From traditional gastric bypass surgery to gastric sleeve, each type of surgery has its own benefits and risks. Gastric bypass surgery is generally recommended for very obese patients with a Body Mass Index over 45. Our bariatric surgeons help you to make the right decision when considering which surgery is best for you.

You should understand the similarities and differences between the two types of bariatric procedures. When reviewing gastric bypass vs sleeve, there are a number of factors to consider:

Gastric Surgery Similarities

Gastric bypass and gastric sleeve are very similar procedures. In both cases, the expected hospital stay ranges from 2-3 days and the procedures are not reversible. Although the methods differ, both operations reduce the amount of food you can eat before feeling full. Recovery from both range from two to four weeks.

Gastric Surgery Differences

Someone that has Gastric Bypass will have a small pouch attached to the intestine in order to bypass the stomach. A Gastric Sleeve, on the other hand, involves a surgeon removing a portion of the stomach, producing a tube-shaped stomach.

Patients that have Gastric Bypass can expect to lose 60 to 80 percent of excess weight within the first year to year and a half. The Gastric Sleeve allows weight loss at a slower, steadier rate. 60-70 pounds of excess weight can be lost within the first year to year and a half.

The Gastric Balloon Procedure

Gastric Balloon is an alternative to weight loss surgery that is ideal for patients seeking to lose 25 to 50 pounds. This non-surgical intragastric procedure combines a temporary device with a behavior modification program to help overweight patients maintain long-term weight loss.

Once the Gastric Balloon is placed into the stomach, it immediately reduces the amount of space for food, which means the patient will begin eating less immediately. Though some results will be seen quickly, weight loss will not be maintained if the patient does not follow through with the nutrition and exercise program created by The Bariatric Experts’ weight loss lifestyle team and Gastric Balloon Doctors.