Saturday, April 9, 2016

Basics 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 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.

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.

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.

In sleeve gastrectomy, a large part of the stomach is removed with the remainder being between 20 and 25% of the original. The longitudinal resection (cutting) leaves a tubular structure which looks like a banana. The benefits of this operation are mainly twofold: reduced stomach capacity and increased transit time of consumed food. This means that food has less time to be absorbed.

Sleeve gastrectomy may be used in adolescents and children. Studies have ruled out any major effects on growth in children less than 14 years. The side effects that one should anticipate include nausea, aversion to food, leakage of food, infections and esophageal spasms among others. After some years, the stomach may dilate slightly but this is hardly a cause for worry.

The two procedures are considered day cases in most centers. What this means is that you can go home on the same day of the operation. One can resume their normal daily routine within a day or two. Usually, one has to be on a light diet comprising of liquids and mashed up foods of about two weeks. This is followed by soft foods for another two weeks then the regular diet.




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