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What One Should Know About Lap-band And Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

By Catherine Howard


The demand for weight loss surgery has been increasing in New York thanks to the numerous advances in surgical techniques that have not only made this option safe but quite effective as well. Lap-band and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy are also known as bariatric surgeries. While the may be used in virtually anyone, it is important to stress that they are most suitable for persons that have tried the lifestyle options of losing weight but have been unsuccessful.

The two operations work by reducing the functional capacity of the stomach. The stomach tends to fill faster than before hence there is a reduction in the amount of food eaten. Most of the food that is consumed undergoes metabolism to produce energy and very little is converted to fat. With time, there is net weight loss. The fundamental difference between the two is the fact that while lap-band surgery is can be reversed while sleeve 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.

In sleeve gastrectomy, surgical resection of the stomach helps to reduce it by as much as 80%. The resultant stomach takes the shape of a sleeve (hence the name). Due to the reduction in capacity there will be early satiety and generally a reduction in consumption of food. The other benefit of this transformation is the fact that transit time is greatly reduced and so is the absorption of nutrients.

The ideal body mass index, BMI, of a potential candidate should be more than 40. For persons that are already suffering from conditions believed to be caused or aggravated by excessive weight, a lower BMI is usually considered. Examples of these conditions include sleep apnea, esophageal reflux disease, hypertension and diabetes among others. Research has shown that surgery helps reduce the severity of these conditions.

A number of high risk situations in which having the procedure is not recommended include. One of them is the presence of a hormonal abnormality such as that involving the thyroid hormone. The surgery has to be postponed in this case until the problem is treated. Other likely high risk conditions include esophagitis, inflammatory bowel disease and peptic ulcers 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.




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