Weight loss surgeries are rising due to the increasing number of individuals seeking to achieve their goals. As such, many options are available for those considering surgery to reduce their weight. One of these options is a gastric sleeve, and another is a gastric bypass. Gastric sleeve involves reducing the stomach size, while gastric bypass involves rerouting the digestive tract to allow food to bypass part of the small intestine.
Read more: Gastric Sleeve vs. Gastric Bypass.
We will explain the difference between them and if it is possible to convert to gastric sleeve from gastric bypass.
What Is Gastric Bypass?
Gastric bypass is a bariatric surgical procedure that assists people with severe problems in quickly lose weight. It entails lowering the total size of the belly and limiting meal intake. Some advantages of gastric bypass surgical treatment include weight loss, better fitness, and decreased obesity-related diseases.
What Is a Gastric Sleeve?
A gastric sleeve is used to minimize the dimension of the stomach. It reduces the number of meals you can devour at once, which helps with weight loss. The surgical treatment removes a stomach section, leaving solely a vertical sleeve or tube-like structure. This new smaller belly holds much fewer meals and helps a person feel full after smaller meals.
Cases When Gastric Sleeve After Gastric Bypass Is Recommended
It is possible to have a gastric sleeve after gastric bypass, though it is not recommended for everyone. A revision procedure might be necessary if the original surgery did not provide sufficient weight loss or other complications arise. A conversion from a gastric bypass to a gastric sleeve may sometimes be recommended.
Here are some instances when a conversion from gastric bypass to gastric sleeve is recommended:
Chronic Pain
Following a gastric bypass, a gastric sleeve can be an excellent answer for those with chronic aches or dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). This is because the surgery reduces the dimension of the stomach, relieving strain and helping to ease discomfort.
Hypoglycemia or Reduction in Blood Sugar Levels
The conversion to a gastric sleeve might also be offered when an affected person experiences hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) following gastric bypass. This is because the smaller belly pouch created with the sleeve helps slow digestion and absorption of food, which can enhance glucose control.
Substance Abuse
When addiction is the cause of weight gain, a gastric sleeve may be recommended to help patients control their cravings and reduce binge eating. This is because the new stomach pouch created with the sleeve provides only a tiny amount of food intake at each meal.
Cachexia
Cachexia (weight loss due to poor nutrition) is another common complication of gastric bypass. The conversion to a gastric sleeve may be recommended to provide the patient with enough food intake and proper nutrition, helping them regain their lost weight.
Intractable Nausea
When a patient suffers from intractable nausea and vomiting, the conversion to a gastric sleeve may be recommended. This is because the smaller stomach pouch created with the procedure helps reduce acid reflux and improves food absorption, reducing symptoms of nausea.
How Do You Convert from Gastric Bypass To Gastric Sleeve?
After gastric bypass surgery, patients may be interested in converting from the gastric bypass to the gastric sleeve. This can usually be done with a second operation. The procedure typically involves creating a larger stomach pouch and removing some of the bypassed portions of the small intestine.
Following this, surgeons will place an adjustable silicone band around the new stomach pouch to control its size and the amount of food that can be eaten at once. The band may be adjusted over time to maintain a healthy diet.
Converting from gastric bypass to gastric sleeve includes improved weight loss, reduced hunger, and increased energy levels.
Call Trevita for the best gastric bypass surgery in Mexico. Our state-of-the-art facilities with advanced surgical equipment and a team of experienced American board-certified surgeons are well-equipped to help you convert from gastric bypass to gastric sleeve.
