Thursday, May 19, 2016

Facts On Lap-band And Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

By Catherine Howard


The number of weight loss surgical procedures being done in New York has continued to increase tremendously. Part of the reason for this is the fact that the techniques that are employed have been greatly improved and the procedure is now not only safe but also very effective. Lap-band and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy are two of the most commonly performed bariatric operations. It is important that one first tries out lifestyle changes before turning to surgery for weight loss.

These two surgeries are slightly different in the way in which they are done but their effect is the same; they all reduce the size of the stomach. As a result the amount of food that can be eaten during a single meal is markedly reduced. Most of what is consumed is used for energy provision and very little ends up as stored fat. Over time, there is net weight loss. The main difference that exists is that lap band is temporary (reversible) while gastrectomy is permanent.

The lap band procedure is usually done using an instrument called a laparoscope. The exact procedure involves minimal access of the abdomen using three small incisions. A silicon band is usually placed on the upper region of the stomach where it causes compression. With the organ now converted into a small pouch, only a small amount of food can be held at any one time.

There are a number of side effects associated with this surgery. They include bleeding (usually minimal), vomiting, nausea and aversion to food. The compression force from the band can be increased or reduced to minimize the symptoms. This is can be achieved by injecting or withdrawing water from a plastic tubing attached to the band. When water is injected the compression increases and when it is withdrawn, it reduces.

Sleeve gastrectomy reduces the size of the stomach to between 20 and 25% of the original. The shape becomes tubular and closely resembles a sleeve. With a reduction in the capacity, the amount of food that one can eat also reduces markedly. In addition, there is a reduction in the transit time of food within the gut hence less absorption of nutrients.

Generally, surgical weight loss surgery is most beneficial in persons with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 40. In case they have weight related complications such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea and gastro esophageal reflux disease, a lower BMI may be considered. Bariatric surgeries have been shown to reduce the symptoms associated with these conditions.

There are some situations in which these operations are deemed unsafe. In case one has hormonal imbalance (as is the case of hypothyroidism), the surgery is usually postponed until the condition has been treated. Other high risk situations include the presence of gastrointestinal diseases such as peptic ulcers, esophagitis and inflammatory bowel disease among others.

The operation is typically conducted as a day procedure meaning that you can leave the hospital on the same day. In a number of cases, there may be a need to remain in hospital for a day or two for observation. Once you are discharged, the doctor will prescribe a liquid diet for at least two weeks. Ensure that you adopt a healthy lifestyle after the operation so as to get optimal results.




About the Author:



0 Comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home