What You Need To Know About Lap-band And Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

By Timothy Brown


Bariatric weight loss surgery is a procedure that has continue to grow steadily in recent times in New York. There are three main types of bariatric surgeries that are performed. These include gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgery. While some differences exist among these procedures, the manner in which they work is similar. Lap-band and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy have the best outcomes hence are the most commonly performed.

Weight loss surgical options are usually considered as a last resort. There is a need to try out the non-invasive methods first for a period of not less than 6 months. Cut down on your consumption of highly refined carbohydrates and fats as much as possible. These two food groups contribute to the greatest proportion of weight gain. Regular physical activity helps burn excess calories and prevent unwanted storage in adipose tissues.

To choose between banding and gastrectomy, one has to fully understand the benefits and risks associated with each of them. One of the major similarities is that both of them can be effectively performed using the open technique or laparoscopy. The major difference is that in gastrectomy the stomach has to be cut surgically while no cutting is involved in banding. For this reason banding is reversible while gastrectomy is not.

During the open procedure, a large incision running from the epigastric area to the pubic region is made. The surgeon can visualize the stomach through this incision and place the band directly. When the laparoscopic option is used, on the other hand, very small incisions are created in the anterior abdominal region. These incisions (also known as ports) are used for the entry of instruments.

Gastrectomy involves reduction of stomach size by removing between 75 and 80% of the organ. The operation leaves behind a small tubular structure whose shape is like a sleeve thus the name of the procedure. Laparoscopic access to the abdominal cavity is the most preferred technique. Once the unwanted portion has been removed, the remaining part is stitched using staples or surgical sutures. With a significant reduction in capacity, the stomach can only hold a limited amount of food.

A number of complications may occur following these operations. Excessive bleeding, injury to internal organs and post-operative infections are among the most commonly encountered. In rare circumstances, the staples or stitches used during the operation may come off. Leakage of foods and acids may then ensue and cause chemical injury to other organs. Nausea and vomiting will be experienced if the squeeze of the band is too much.

A reduction in the stomach capacity results in a reduction in the amount of food intake. Related to this is the fact that there is early satiety and suppression of appetite. Removing part of the stomach significantly reduces the surface area that is available for absorption of nutrients. All these changes cause weight loss that begins to be seen within weeks or months.

Although the surgery can be performed in any patient, there are a number of situations in which risks outweigh the benefits. For instance, if the patient has hormonal imbalance involving metabolic hormones they are likely to have poor outcomes. Examples include uncontrolled diabetes and hyperthyroidism. These conditions have to be managed first before the operation is carried out. Gastrointestinal diseases such as peptic ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease may also affect the results.




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