Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Facts On Lap-band And Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

By Catherine Howard


There is an exponential rise in the demand for weight loss surgical operations in New York . The major contributing factor for this surge is the safety and the effectiveness of modern surgical techniques. The two most common types of bariatric surgery are lap-band and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Although these operations can be offered to anyone, the general advice is that one should first try losing weight using lifestyle changes.

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.

Lap band surgery is typically performed laparoscopically. This involves entry into the abdomen through minimal access. Three small incisions (ports) are made in the anterior abdominal wall and used for the insertion of a camera and instruments. A silicon band is fixed to the upper stomach portion so as to cause compression. This converts the entire organ into a small pouch capable of holding just a small amount of food.

The surgery is generally safe but one needs to be aware of the potential complications. Nausea, vomiting, bleeding and aversion to food are among those that are most likely to be seen. To reduce nausea and vomiting, the compression by the band is reduced so that the stomach size increases slightly. This is done by drawing saline from a plastic tube joined to the band.

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.

Experts recommend that the ideal candidate should have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40. However, if they have some conditions that may have been contributed or worsened by excess weight, then a lower value of BMI may be considered. The reason for this is that bariatric surgeries may help slow the progression of such conditions. Examples include sleep apnea, gastro esophageal reflux disease, diabetes and hypertension among others.

There are a number of situations in which bariatric surgery is deemed inappropriate. One such situation is when there is a high risk of complications. Underlying hormonal problems such as hypothyroidism are among the reasons why the procedure may be cancelled or postponed until the problem has been managed. Other examples include gastrointestinal tract diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, peptic ulcers and esophagitis.

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.




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