Does a Hernia Require Surgery?
Your doctor has diagnosed you with a hernia, but you want to avoid surgery if you can. Is that possible, or does a hernia always require surgery? Find out more in this month’s blog.
Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass: The Differences
If you’re struggling with obesity, you’re not alone. More than 40% of American adults fit in this category, which translates to more than 100 million people.
You may have tried to lose weight by changing your diet and exercising, but the needle just isn’t moving enough to make a difference. And now the health implications are creeping up on you: You’re at higher risk for diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer.
It’s time to take more drastic measures, so you’ve been considering weight loss, or bariatric, surgery. This proven option can indeed make a difference in your life.
At New Life Medical in Bakersfield, California, Dr. Nirav Naik is an experienced general and bariatric surgeon. When it comes to weight loss surgery, you have a number of options. Two popular surgeries that have helped patients see dramatic results are sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, and we review their similarities and differences here.
Bariatric surgery: What you should know
Weight-loss surgery reduces the size of your stomach. This reduces the amount of food you can eat before feeling full.
Both sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass require 2-3 days in the hospital and are not reversible. In both cases, your diet will be restricted after your procedure.
However, the procedures themselves are different, and one of them might be better for you than the other. When you consult with Dr. Naik, he explains your options and helps you make the right decision.
What is sleeve gastrectomy?
During a sleeve gastrectomy, also called a gastric sleeve procedure, Dr. Naik removes 50%-80% of your stomach, leaving a small, sleeve-like portion between your esophagus and small intestine. The removed section includes the part of your stomach that produces ghrelin, an appetite-stimulating hormone.
After a gastrectomy, weight loss typically occurs at a slower, steadier rate. You may lose 60%-70% of your excess weight in the following 12-18 months.
What is gastric bypass?
With gastric bypass, Dr. Naik reroutes your digestive tract by creating a small pouch from your stomach and attaching it to your intestine to bypass the larger part of your stomach. Weight loss typically occurs a little faster following gastric bypass, and bypass patients lose, on average, 10-25 pounds more than those who have sleeve gastrectomy.
Which option is best for me?
Dr. Naik uses laparoscopic and robotic surgical techniques for both procedures. After meeting with you and reviewing your medical history, he helps you determine the best option for your situation.
As a general rule of thumb, if you’re struggling with multiple health conditions as a result of your obesity, including the ability to walk and move around well, gastric bypass may be the better option for you.
If you’re considering weight loss surgery, our team at New Life Medical would be honored if you trusted us with your health. To find out more about how bariatric surgery can help you finally get your weight into a healthy range, call us at 661-230-7344 to schedule an appointment.
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