The gastric sleeve surgery – and the various bariatric operations – occupies an advanced rank globally in terms of demand and procedure rates, since it is considered a cosmetic surgery in the traditional sense; Rather, it is a very necessary medical procedure and may be the last hope and the only way to prevent the very dangerous complications of obesity.

Gastric sleeve surgery has gained fame thanks to its ability to lose weight at large rates in short periods, but this did not prevent many from asking about the other side of this procedure in an attempt to identify the pros and cons of gastric sleeve surgery more objectively.

Pros and cons of gastric bypass surgery

Some consider the advantages of cutting the stomach only as one of the effective means in reducing weight and avoiding the risks of obesity, although this is true, but this view is tainted by some shortcomings. As the process of cutting the stomach in the end – like any surgical procedure – has many benefits and at the same time results in side effects that cannot be overlooked. The advantages and disadvantages of gastric bypass surgery are as follows:

First: What are the advantages of gastric sleeve surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is superior to many weight loss surgeries in terms of demand and demand, due to the advantages of gastric sleeve surgery and its many advantages, including the following:

1 – Lose weight quickly and effectively

The most important advantages of gastric sleeve are its superior ability to reduce body weight quickly and within a short period of time; Scientific studies indicate the ability of this procedure to reduce weight by large percentages, ranging between 40%: 70% during the first year of surgery.

The advantages of gastric bypass do not stop there, as it is possible to continue losing weight during the following year, but at lower rates, and the results of the surgery can be enhanced by following a healthy and balanced diet.

2- Avoiding the risks and complications of obesity

The gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy is a curative and preventive measure at the same time; As it works effectively in losing excess weight and thus contributes to the treatment of many health problems related to weight gain that completely disappear after surgery, such as difficulty breathing during sleep or high levels of harmful cholesterol in the blood.

Also, one of the advantages of gastric sleeve surgery is its contribution to avoiding many chronic and dangerous diseases that result from obesity, especially diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as heart disease and many other health threats.

3- Achieving lasting results

The permanence of results is one of the main factors that are relied upon in determining the pros and cons of gastric bypass and other excess weight reduction operations. One of the most prominent advantages of gastric sleeve surgery is that its results last for long periods and the patient is unlikely to gain additional weight afterwards. This is due to the mechanism on which the surgery is based, which is to remove part of the stomach itself.

4- The psychological impact

Although weight loss operations – such as gastric sleeves or gastric sleeves – are not explicitly classified as cosmetic operations, the psychological impact of them cannot be denied, as some studies reported that people who underwent that surgery were more satisfied with their appearance and this contributed greatly to Boost their self-confidence.

Second: What are the disadvantages of gastric sleeve surgery?

The question of what are the disadvantages of gastric bypass surgery is one of the most common questions among those applying for this surgery. These negative aspects are a set of side effects and health complications that are likely to result from this surgery, foremost of which are the following:

1 – It can’t be undone

The gastric sleeve operation depends on reducing the absorptive capacity of the stomach by removing part of it, although this is what achieves its effectiveness in reducing weight, but it is the most prominent negative of the stomach cutting operation at the same time. This means that it cannot be undone in any way, in contrast to some other surgeries that achieve similar results, such as the gastric balloon or the gastric band.

2 – dumping syndrome

Dumping Syndrome comes within the damages of the gastric sleeve operation and its complications. Symptoms of this syndrome occur when swallowed food crosses the stomach and enters the small intestine quickly before it is properly digested.

Symptoms of this syndrome include abdominal pain, nausea, sweating, diarrhea, and a fast heartbeat. The severity of these symptoms can be reduced by sticking to the diet recommended by the specialist and avoiding foods rich in carbohydrates or sugars.

3 – hair loss

Hair loss may be the shocking negative effect for many of those wondering what are the negatives of gastric bypass and its side effects, as experts in the field of cosmetic medicine confirm that a not small percentage of patients are exposed to problems of low hair density during the first five months of the procedure.

This side effect is originally caused by a sudden decrease in the individual’s food ration after any of the surgeries aimed at reducing the stomach and the accompanying deficiency in the necessary nutrients such as minerals and vitamins, this can be overcome by following a healthy diet and taking nutritional supplements.

4- Digestive disorders

The damages of gastric bypass surgery include the patient’s exposure to a large number of annoying digestive disorders that may extend for several months after the surgery. These disorders take many forms, including cases of stomach blocking or constipation, in addition to flatulence.

It should also be noted that heartburn is one of the downsides of gastric bypass surgery and one of its common side effects. Therefore, foods that cause heartburn and caffeinated drinks should be avoided after the operation.

5 – Anemia

When addressing the pros and cons of gastric bypass surgery, anemia must be mentioned, which is one of the most dangerous potential complications of this surgery, and it comes as a result of the sharp and sudden decrease in the individual’s share of food and his lack of many important nutrients, in addition to the loss of appetite that usually affects patients during the first weeks from the process.

6 – Bleeding

Bleeding represents the most serious potential complication of gastric bypass surgery – and surgeries in general – and if it occurs, a surgical incision is required – even in the case of a laparoscopic operation – to identify the source of bleeding and deal with it. This is a life-threatening complication if it is not controlled in time. the appropriate.

Gastric bypass surgery risks

The answer to the question of what are the disadvantages of gastric bypass surgery includes a set of complications and health risks, which must be taken into account despite the low risk of exposure.

Possible risks of having a gastric bypass surgery include:

• Risks of cross infection during surgery
• Intestinal obstruction
• gastric acid leaks
• Stomach acid reflux into the esophagus
• Usual anesthesia risks
• Pancreatic juice leak

The largest proportion of the serious complications of gastric bypass operations result from medical errors, and then it can be avoided or the risk of exposure to them can be reduced by making sure to choose the right doctor who has the experience that qualifies him for this. .