Friday, April 29, 2016

Important Facts On Gastric Banding And Sleeve Gastrectomy

By Martha Foster


Having a balanced diet and engaging in physical activity regularly are two of the most well-known options of weight loss. While they may be effective in a majority of New York residents, there are cases where a more aggressive approach is needed. Surgical options such as gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy are often considered as a last resort for such cases. They are types of what is referred to as bariatric surgery.

Bariatric operations are also termed restrictive operations. The reason as to why this is the case is due to their effect in reducing the stomach capacity. The amount of food that is eaten in one sitting is markedly reduced. There is early satiety and reduced food consumption. The reduced intake of food causes weight loss in subsequent weeks and months.

Gastric banding is achieved by use of a silicon band using laparascopic approach. When the band is slipped onto the upper part of the stomach (the fundus), it squeezes it to leave just a small outlet. The estimated capacity of this pouch is one ounce of food. Laparascopic procedures, use small entry points (ports) that result in smaller scars later on. This is in contrast to open surgeries in which large incisions have to be made.

The band is connected through a plastic tubing to an area just below the skin. The surgeon (or patient) can exert control on the pressure created by the band. When saline is injected through the tube, the pressure is increased which decreases the volume of the stomach further. This may be needed if the desired effects are not being seen. Drawing the saline achieves the reverse effect which is a reduction in the squeeze and an increase in the stomach volume.

The results of this operation vary from one individual to another. The procedure is safe for the most part but there are some possible side effects that you need to be aware of. Those that are experienced commonly include vomiting, nausea, minor bleeding and wound infection. Small adjustments to the tightness of the band usually control the nausea and vomiting.

Sleeve gastrectomy (or gastric sleeve) refers to the surgical removal of a part of the stomach. This may be as much as 80%. The remaining stomach is a tubular pouch which closely resembles a banana. This method helps reduce weight in two ways: reduced capacity of the stomach and faster movement of food (hence less absorption). The shape is also believed to influence gastric hormone production such that one feels less hungry.

Sleeve gastrectomy is safe for use in children and adolescents. There are no adverse effects on growth for children aged less than fourteen years according to studies. The main side effects of this operation include leakage, aversion to food, vomiting, esophageal spasms and infections among others. With time, the stomach may dilate. This occurs over years and is rarely a cause for worry.

The two bariatric operations are usually done as day cases. You can home on the same day that you are operated. One can resume their daily routine within 24 to 48 hours. The general advice is that one remains on light diet consisting of mashed up foods and liquids for at least two weeks. Soft foods and the regular diet follow thereafter.




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