Tuesday, June 7, 2016

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.

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.

The lap band procedure is usually done using an instrument called a laparoscope. The exact procedure involves minimal access of the abdomen using three small incisions. A silicon band is usually placed on the upper region of the stomach where it causes compression. With the organ now converted into a small pouch, only a small amount of food can be held at any one time.

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 When water is injected into the tube the size reduces and when it is withdrawn it increases and symptoms abate.

Sleeve gastrectomy reduces the size of the stomach to between 20 and 25% of the original. The shape becomes tubular and closely resembles a sleeve. With a reduction in the capacity, the amount of food that one can eat also reduces markedly. In addition, there is a reduction in the transit time of food within the gut hence less 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.

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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