Gastric bypass surgery and gastric balloon are two different surgical and endoscopic methods used in the treatment of obesity. These methods aim to reduce the volume of the stomach or limit the amount of food entering the stomach in order to achieve weight loss, but the differences between them are significant in terms of the procedure's application method, long-term effects, and side effects. Here are the main differences between these two methods:
1. Procedure Type
- Gastric Bypass Surgery: Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) is a surgical operation. In this surgery, a large part of the stomach is bypassed and a small stomach pouch is created. Food goes to this small stomach pouch and a part of the intestines is bypassed and directed to the small intestines. This reduces the volume of the stomach and restricts the absorption of nutrients.
- Gastric Balloon: Gastric balloon is a non-surgical procedure and is applied endoscopically. In this method, a balloon filled with saline (salt water) or air is placed in the stomach. The balloon fills the stomach volume, giving the person a feeling of fullness earlier, thus allowing them to eat less.
2. Application Time
- Gastric Bypass Surgery: Gastric bypass surgery is a permanent method. The weight loss achieved after surgery can be long-term, but lifelong follow-up and diet adjustments may be required after surgery. It is usually an irreversible procedure.
- Gastric Balloon: A gastric balloon is a temporary solution. The balloon usually remains in the stomach for 6-12 months. At the end of this period, the balloon is removed endoscopically. In other words, the gastric balloon is not a long-term solution, but it can help with weight loss in the meantime.
3. Weight Loss Potential
- Gastric Bypass Surgery: Gastric bypass surgery is an effective method that provides significant weight loss. Patients usually lose 60-80% of their excess weight. The surgery has a strong effect because it both reduces the stomach volume and bypasses part of the intestines, restricting calorie absorption.
- Gastric Balloon: Gastric balloon provides less weight loss than gastric bypass. Patients usually lose 20-30% of their excess weight. After the balloon is removed, if the person does not change their lifestyle, they risk regaining the weight they lost.
4. Risks and Side Effects
- Gastric Bypass Surgery: Since the surgery is a major surgical procedure, it carries a risk of complications. Post-operative complications such as bleeding, infection, and intestinal obstruction may occur. In addition, problems related to absorption disorders such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies may occur. Vitamin supplements may be required for life.
- Gastric Balloon: The gastric balloon procedure is less invasive and therefore has lower risks than gastric bypass. However, side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain may occur when the gastric balloon is placed. There is also a risk of the balloon deflating in the stomach, which may require an endoscopic procedure.
5. Recovery Time
- Gastric Bypass Surgery: The hospital stay after gastric bypass surgery is usually 2-3 days, and full recovery can take several weeks. It is important to strictly follow the post-operative nutrition plan, and it may take time for patients to start exercising.
- Gastric Balloon: The gastric balloon placement procedure usually takes 20-30 minutes and the patient is discharged the same day. The recovery period is much faster and patients can return to their normal activities within a few days. However, they may experience nausea and discomfort in the first few days.
6. Absorption Restriction
- Gastric Bypass Surgery: Gastric bypass also restricts the absorption of nutrients. This allows the body to take in fewer calories and accelerates weight loss. However, this can also cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
- Gastric Balloon: Since the gastric balloon only limits the stomach capacity, it has no effect on the absorption of nutrients. In other words, the person continues to absorb the nutrients they eat normally, they just feel full by eating less.
7. Cost
- Gastric Bypass Surgery: Gastric bypass surgery is a more expensive procedure compared to the gastric balloon. The cost of the surgery depends on the surgeon's experience.The procedure may vary from hospital to hospital, from technology used to country. However, it can be seen as an effective investment because it offers permanent weight loss and health benefits in the long term.
- Gastric Balloon: Gastric balloon is generally cheaper than gastric bypass. However, since it is a temporary solution, its long-term effects are limited and other lifestyle changes are required to prevent weight gain.
8. Who is it Suitable For?
- Gastric Bypass Surgery: Gastric bypass is generally suitable for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 and above and who have serious obesity problems. It can also be recommended for those with a BMI over 35 who have health problems related to obesity (diabetes, hypertension, etc.).
- Gastric Balloon: Gastric balloon is generally suitable for patients with a BMI between 30-40 who do not want surgery or are not suitable for surgery. This method can be preferred in people with a lower degree of obesity.
