Important Facts On Gastric Banding And Sleeve Gastrectomy

By Martha Foster


Lifestyle changes are one of the most effective approaches in achieving weight loss. While their effect can be clearly appreciated in a majority of New York residents over time, there is a smaller group of people in whom these lifestyle changes alone cannot achieve the desired results. These people form the bulk of potential candidates for surgical weight loss procedures which include gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy. The two operations are examples of bariatric surgery.

Bariatric operations are also termed restrictive operations. The reason as to why this is the case is due to their effect in reducing the stomach capacity. The amount of food that is eaten in one sitting is markedly reduced. There is early satiety and reduced food consumption. The reduced intake of food causes weight loss in subsequent weeks and months.

Gastric banding is achieved by use of a silicon band using laparascopic approach. When the band is slipped onto the upper part of the stomach (the fundus), it squeezes it to leave just a small outlet. The estimated capacity of this pouch is one ounce of food. Laparascopic procedures, use small entry points (ports) that result in smaller scars later on. This is in contrast to open surgeries in which large incisions have to be made.

The band is connected through a plastic tubing to an area just below the skin. The surgeon (or patient) can exert control on the pressure created by the band. When saline is injected through the tube, the pressure is increased which decreases the volume of the stomach further. This may be needed if the desired effects are not being seen. Drawing the saline achieves the reverse effect which is a reduction in the squeeze and an increase in the stomach volume.

The results of gastric banding greatly vary from one person to another. Studies show that most people achieve weight loss of between 40 and 50% in a few months. While it is a generally safe procedure, there are a number of side effects that one should anticipate. Those that are most commonly encountered include vomiting, nausea, minor bleeding and infections. Adjusting the squeeze helps reduce 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.

These two surgeries are performed as day cases. One can, therefore, be released to go home on the same day. Resumption of the normal daily routine can occur within a day or two. As for the diet, one needs to be on liquid diet and mashed foods for at least two weeks. The food to be eaten for the first two weeks should be either liquid diet or mashed foods.




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