Thursday, April 28, 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 surgeries are also known as restrictive surgeries. This is because they are designed to reduce the capacity of the stomach which effectively reduces the amount of food that is held at any given point in time. Since, the stomach fills a lot faster than before, there is early satiety and by extension, reduced food intake. The weight loss that is seen in subsequent weeks and months is mainly due to reduced food intake.

As the name suggests, gastric banding involves the use of an elastic band made of silicone. This band is slipped onto the upper portion of the stomach using a laparoscopic approach. In laparascopic surgeries, procedures are conducted through small incisions made in the abdomen as opposed to open procedures where one large incision is needed. The squeeze that is provided by the band on converts the stomach into a small pouch.

To retain control on the band, the surgeon connects it to an area just below the skin using a plastic tube. Sterile water or saline can be injected into this tube or drawn from it to increase or reduce the squeeze. The final effect is increased or reduced capacity. Increasing the capacity may be necessary if there are unwanted side effects. Reducing it, on the other hand, is necessary if the benefits are not being realized.

The results of this operation vary from one individual to another. The procedure is safe for the most part but there are some possible side effects that you need to be aware of. Those that are experienced commonly include vomiting, nausea, minor bleeding and wound infection. Small adjustments to the tightness of the band usually control the nausea and vomiting.

Sleeve gastrectomy involves the removal of a large part of the stomach to leave between 20 and 25% of the original. The resultant shape is tubular or sleeve-shaped (hence the name). Weight loss is mainly due to two effects. The first is the reduced volume which also reduces food intake and contributes to early satiety. The second is the increased transit time that reduces food absorption.

Sleeve gastrectomy has been approved for use in children and adolescents. Studies show that it has no negative effects on the growth of children. Possible complications of this procedure include leakage of food, nausea, aversion to food, infections and esophageal spasms. Over time, the stomach may dilate but not significantly. It is important to remember that unlike the banding procedure, the sleeve procedure is irreversible.

The two bariatric operations are usually done as day cases. You can home on the same day that you are operated. One can resume their daily routine within 24 to 48 hours. The general advice is that one remains on light diet consisting of mashed up foods and liquids for at least two weeks. Soft foods and the regular diet follow thereafter.




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