Are you considering what type of weight loss surgery is right for you? Bariatric surgery is a great option to help you lose weight – especially if you work on improving your diet and exercise regimen. Gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgery are some popular surgery options that are effective in helping people shed extra pounds and change their lifestyle.
What’s the difference between gastric bypass and gastric sleeve?
Sleeve gastrectomy surgery permanently removes 80 percent of your stomach. The surgeon then sews the rest of the stomach into a small pouch or sleeve. Roux en y gastric bypass, on the other hand, has a small stomach pouch created through bypassing most of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine.
This small pouch is reconnected to the remaining small intestine. The area of the small intestine that is removed is the part that does most of the absorbing of some nutrients and calories, therefore making it effective in losing weight.
Both surgeries are completed laparoscopically and require plenty of rest afterward. Taking care of yourself will help your body heal quicker and help with a smoother recovery process. Gastric bypass is more complicated than gastric sleeve surgery, so sometimes that can play a factor in what your recovery is like.
Your doctor will go over the various procedures you’ll need to follow after surgery, including how you will need to restrict your activity and change your diet. Not following the surgery guidelines afterward could cause unnecessary complications like infection, pain, and more.
Bariatric Surgery Recovery
By removing a portion of the stomach, both surgeries will require you to make significant adjustments to your diet and eating routines. You will only be able to eat small amounts of food at a time, so several small meals a day is a good idea. You will also need to sip fluids and avoid carbonated beverages and high amounts of carbs.
In both cases, you will be limited to an all-liquid diet (along with protein supplements) for the first two weeks. This will allow your body to adapt to a smaller intake of food. Hormonal changes during this time will make you feel sooner and will cut down on those hunger pangs.
While drinking at least 96 ounces of water is key, you won’t be able to gulp it down. Remember, your stomach will only be able to handle so much liquid at a time now. Drinking too much water in one sitting could be uncomfortable. The smaller pouch can’t handle the large and quick intake of water or food and leads to discomfort, nausea, and even pain.
Two weeks after either procedure, soft foods and vitamins will be introduced to your diet. In the following weeks and months, more and more high-protein, low-fat foods will be added. WeightWise has compiled hundreds of recipes for you to choose from as well as offering drinks, supplements, and food in our online shop.
A Proven Weight Loss Program
Bariatric procedures are an exciting option for many people that want to lose excess body weight. What type of bariatric surgery is right for you in the long term? In addition to gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedures, there are other surgeries that limit the amount of food intake, such as lap band or duodenal switch.
In addition to your diet, physical activity will also be on the menu so to speak. Our exercise physiologist will talk about any physical limitations you may have and craft a workout plan specifically for you. The goal is to spend at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, working out.
There are pros and cons of each bariatric procedure based on your current situation, family history, and any physical or emotional obstacles. That’s why every patient will have an initial consultation with one of our bariatric surgeons. Plans will be discussed, questions answered, and surgeries chosen.
Watch our free online seminar to see why our program has been so successful for so many. When you’re ready, contact our experienced medical team at WeightWise today to ask questions or to find out if gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery is right for you.