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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.

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 usually conducted using a laparoscope. This is an instrument that makes it possible to enter the abdomen through minimal access. A silicon based band is placed on the upper section of the stomach such that it compresses the area and reduces the organ to a small pouch. Approximately one ounce of food can be held by the pouch after a single meal.

After the operation, one may suffer from a number of side effects that include minimal bleeding, aversion to food, nausea and vomiting. Reducing the compression force by the silicon band may help reduce the severity of some of the symptoms. This is made possible by injecting or drawing saline from a tube that is connected to the band. When water is injected into the tube the size reduces and when it is withdrawn it increases and symptoms abate.

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.

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.

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.

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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