Difference between Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Balloon Surgery

Difference between Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Balloon Surgery

Having excess weight can be a challenge especially when it impacts your health and wellbeing. There are times when dietary changes and taking part in physical activities might fail to give you the desired results in terms of weight loss. A person who is obese has a higher risk of suffering from chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, and hypertension among others. Bariatric surgery such as gastric sleeve and gastric balloon have proven to be very beneficial in helping patients lose weight and even reverse some of the health conditions. This article evaluates the two to help you decide on the best option for you.

Gastric Sleeve vs. Gastric balloon

When you undergo gastric sleeve surgery in Lubbock, the surgeon will cut away a portion of your stomach to make it smaller which will limit the amount of food consumed. The levels of the hormone ghrelin which regulates your hunger are reduced which means that you’ll have fewer cravings.

The gastric balloon procedure is non-invasive and one is required to take capsules made of gelatin or are vegetable-based. Once the capsule is swallowed, they are filled with nitrogen hexafluoride gas mixture which inflates them. The balloon floats around the stomach reducing the amount of space available. You can swallow a second and third pill and all will be removed after six months.

Similarities

  • Both the procedures are restrictive in the sense that the stomach size becomes smaller.
  • Both reduce ghrelin levels.
  • Both are safe and effective in helping you lose weight

Differences

    • Gastric sleeve surgery is invasive while the gastric balloon is not
    • The gastric sleeve is permanent and irreversible while the gastric balloon is temporary
    • Different people qualify for the procedures
    • It takes a shorter time to recover from a gastric balloon procedure as compared to a gastric sleeve procedure.
    • Gastric sleeve leads to more weight loss as compared to gastric balloon. Learn more here: Life after gastric sleeve surgery

Who Qualifies For Weight Loss Surgery?

To qualify for gastric sleeve surgery, you must be between 18 to 65 years and have a BMI of 40 or more, making you medically obese. You may also qualify if you have a lower BMI and suffer from a health condition.

To qualify for a gastric balloon, your BMI should be 30 to 40. You will also qualify if you suffer from obesity-related health conditions.

Learn more in this article: Who Qualifies For Weight Loss Surgery?

Choosing the best procedure

The procedure you will choose will be determined by your health, BMI, and desired weight loss goals. Talk to your healthcare provider who will advise you on the best option and help you understand all the risks associated with each procedure.

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