Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Bypass: Which Bariatric Surgery Is Right For You?

Key Takeaways

Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Bypass Differences: Gastric sleeve removes a portion of the stomach, while gastric bypass creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the digestive pathway.

Weight Loss Results: Gastric bypass patients lose 65-75% of excess body weight, while gastric sleeve patients typically lose 60-70%.

Health Benefits: Both procedures effectively treat obesity-related conditions like diabetes and sleep apnea through weight loss and hormonal changes.

Cost Considerations: Gastric sleeve costs $8,500-$18,500, while gastric bypass ranges from $15,500-$18,500, with insurance coverage options available in New Jersey.

Bariatric surgery for obesity can be a life-changing step for many people in New Jersey, and the decision between a gastric sleeve vs gastric bypass procedure can lead to a lot of questions.  Choosing the right bariatric surgery becomes less overwhelming when informed, and a consultation with a fellowship-trained, board-certified NJ bariatric surgeon can help you decide between having a gastric sleeve vs gastric bypass. Before deciding whether the gastric sleeve vs gastric bypass surgery is right for you, consider these key factors:

How the Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Bypass Surgery Jumpstarts Weight Loss

Bariatric Surgery, whether Gastric Sleeve or Gastric Bypass, decreases the size of your stomach, which limits the amount of food you can eat at one time. This results in leaving you feeling fuller sooner and longer.  And, with both the gastric bypass or gastric sleeve procedure, you will decrease your levels of hunger hormones so you will feel less hungry.  As you eat less food, your body will stop storing excess calories and start using its fat supply for energy.

The gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy, VSG) surgery jump starts weight loss by removing a portion of the stomach and narrowing the remaining part to the size of a banana or a thin vertical “sleeve.”  The gastric bypass aids in weight loss by creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting the standard path food takes through the digestive system so that it “bypasses” a large section of the stomach and a portion of the small intestine.

Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Bypass: Determine Your Weight Loss Goal

All bariatric surgery procedures, including Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass, will result in an initial weight loss, but the amount lost can differ depending on which procedure you choose and the changes you commit to after surgery.

Estimated Weight Loss:

• Gastric Bypass (65-75% of excess body weight)
• Gastric Sleeve (60-70% of excess body weight)

Patients who choose the gastric sleeve can see a loss between 60 to 65 percent of their excess body weight. Gastric bypass can result in a bit more weight loss with 65 to 75 percent of excess body weight.

Consider Your Medical Conditions When Evaluating Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Bypass

The gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedures are some of the most effective treatments for obesity-related illnesses like type 2 diabetes. The hormonal effects surgery has on the body can have a positive impact on a patient’s blood sugar. Additionally, people with sleep apnea can see improvements and/or resolution of their condition with surgery. Less weight means less of a chance for blocked airways while sleeping.

Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Bypass Costs

When comparing bariatric surgery options, gastric sleeve procedures typically cost $8,500 to $18,500, while gastric bypass ranges from $15,500 to $18,500 for self-pay patients. This cost difference reflects gastric bypass surgery's greater complexity. Both procedures may be covered by health insurance for many people in New Jersey, making them a more affordable long-term weight loss option. While insurance typically covers most surgical costs, out-of-pocket expenses vary by your specific policy. New Jersey Bariatric Center® offers comprehensive insurance support with upfront benefit verification before your first appointment, and accepts many insurance plans except Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare. Our navigation team guides patients through insurance approvals with a strong success rate. For patients without full coverage or facing high deductibles, flexible financing through CareCredit is available.

Commit to Follow-Up Visits to Monitor Your Progress

Whether you choose the gastric sleeve or the gastric bypass surgery, you will need to routinely meet with your surgeon and nutritionist to ensure you are on the right track. Attending support groups frequently helps you stay motivated. You can connect with others who are going through a weight loss journey too. NJBC is composed of a team of weight loss experts including fellowship-trained bariatric surgeons, on-site nutritionists and psychologists. They help guide you through this weight loss journey and beyond.

For information about the procedures including benefits and risks, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions