Important Aspects Of 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.

The two types of surgeries achieve their effect by reducing the size of the stomach. As a result, one is likely to experience early satiety and their food consumption is going to reduce. Most of what is eaten goes to energy provision with very little being stored in adipose tissues as fat. The net effect within subsequent weeks and months is weight loss. The main difference between sleeve gastrectomy and lap band surgery is that lap band surgery is reversible while gastrectomy is not.

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 is a surgical operation that involves the reduction of the stomach size by as much as 80%. The resultant tubular structure resembles a sleeve (hence the name). Apart from faster filling, the stomach also causes faster movement of food which effectively reduces the amount of nutrients absorbed. Side effects include leakage of food into the abdominal cavity, bleeding and infections.

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.

This surgeries are usually done as day cases hence once can be discharged from hospital on the day that they are operated. In a few cases, there may be a need for one to be retained for 24 to 48 hours for observation. You will be instructed to take a liquid diet for about two weeks as the wounds heal. This is especially important in the case of gastrectomy.




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