Facts On Lap-band And Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

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.

The two operations work by reducing the functional capacity of the stomach. The stomach tends to fill faster than before hence there is a reduction in the amount of food eaten. Most of the food that is consumed undergoes metabolism to produce energy and very little is converted to fat. With time, there is net weight loss. The fundamental difference between the two is the fact that while lap-band surgery is can be reversed while sleeve 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 When water is injected into the tube the size reduces and when it is withdrawn it increases and symptoms abate.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 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 some situations in which these operations are deemed unsafe. In case one has hormonal imbalance (as is the case of hypothyroidism), the surgery is usually postponed until the condition has been treated. Other high risk situations include the presence of gastrointestinal diseases such as peptic ulcers, esophagitis and inflammatory bowel disease among others.

Typically, the surgery is done as a day case which means that one can be released from the hospital on the same day. In a few cases, one may be kept on the hospital for between 24 and 48 hours for observation. A liquid dies is recommended for the first two weeks after the operation so as to allow for proper healing of the stitched regions on the stomach (in the case of gastrectomy).




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