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.
The surgery is generally safe but one needs to be aware of the potential complications. Nausea, vomiting, bleeding and aversion to food are among those that are most likely to be seen. To reduce nausea and vomiting, the compression by the band is reduced so that the stomach size increases slightly. This is done by drawing saline from a plastic tube joined to the band.
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.
The ideal body mass index, BMI, of a potential candidate should be more than 40. For persons that are already suffering from conditions believed to be caused or aggravated by excessive weight, a lower BMI is usually considered. Examples of these conditions include sleep apnea, esophageal reflux disease, hypertension and diabetes among others. Research has shown that surgery helps reduce the severity of these conditions.
There are a number of situations in which bariatric surgery is deemed inappropriate. One such situation is when there is a high risk of complications. Underlying hormonal problems such as hypothyroidism are among the reasons why the procedure may be cancelled or postponed until the problem has been managed. Other examples include gastrointestinal tract diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, peptic ulcers and esophagitis.
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.
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.
The surgery is generally safe but one needs to be aware of the potential complications. Nausea, vomiting, bleeding and aversion to food are among those that are most likely to be seen. To reduce nausea and vomiting, the compression by the band is reduced so that the stomach size increases slightly. This is done by drawing saline from a plastic tube joined to the band.
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.
The ideal body mass index, BMI, of a potential candidate should be more than 40. For persons that are already suffering from conditions believed to be caused or aggravated by excessive weight, a lower BMI is usually considered. Examples of these conditions include sleep apnea, esophageal reflux disease, hypertension and diabetes among others. Research has shown that surgery helps reduce the severity of these conditions.
There are a number of situations in which bariatric surgery is deemed inappropriate. One such situation is when there is a high risk of complications. Underlying hormonal problems such as hypothyroidism are among the reasons why the procedure may be cancelled or postponed until the problem has been managed. Other examples include gastrointestinal tract diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, peptic ulcers and esophagitis.
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.