samedi 9 avril 2016

Some Facts Relating To 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 involves the placement of a silicon band on the fundus (upper part) of the stomach. The band exerts a squeeze in this region effectively converting the organ into a small pouch with an outlet capable of holding just an ounce of food. This procedure is done using laparoscopy which has a number of advantages over conventional (open) surgical operations. They include, smaller incisions, less bleeding and less prominent scars.

The band is usually connected to the skin using a small plastic tube. This helps the surgeon (and the patient) to exert some control over the band. By injecting or removing saline (or water) into this tube, the pressure that is exerted on the stomach can be increased or reduced as desired. An increase in the squeeze may be needed if the rate of weight loss is too slow. A reduction may be needed, on the other hand, if there are adverse side effects of the operation.

Gastric banding has been shown to cause up to 50% in weight loss in a couple of months. The procedure is largely safe but a few side effects may be experienced. Such may include nausea and vomiting, wound infections or minor bleeding. Adjusting the tube often resolves the nausea and vomiting but removal of the tube may be needed if these effects are severe.

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 may be used in adolescents and children. Studies have ruled out any major effects on growth in children less than 14 years. The side effects that one should anticipate include nausea, aversion to food, leakage of food, infections and esophageal spasms among others. After some years, the stomach may dilate slightly but this is hardly a cause for worry.

The two procedures are considered day cases in most centers. What this means is that you can go home on the same day of the operation. One can resume their normal daily routine within a day or two. Usually, one has to be on a light diet comprising of liquids and mashed up foods of about two weeks. This is followed by soft foods for another two weeks then the regular diet.




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