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Facts Related To Gastric Banding And Sleeve Gastrectomy

By Ryan Meyer


Bariatric surgery refers to an operation that is done with the objective of losing weight. Many different forms of this operation exist in New York but the principle under which they work is the same. These operations are done to reduce the volume of the stomach which effectively reduces the amount of food that can be consumed at a given point in time. Less nutrients are absorbed and over time, weight loss sets int. There are a few things regarding gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy you should know.

Banding and gastrectomy are distinct options but the principles are the same. As the name suggests, banding involves the use of an artificial band made from silicone. This band is usually fixed to a portion of the stomach resulting in compression. The compression causes a reduction in the volume of the stomach which means that less food will be held from the time of the duration onward.

The operations that can be used for the placement of the band are of two main types: the open procedure and the laparoscopy technique. The open procedure involves the use of a large incision running from the pubic region to the epigastric region. The stomach is visualized directly before band placement is done. The laparoscopic technique, on the other hand, uses very small openings known as ports. An instrument known as a laparoscope is used under the guidance of a camera.

The compression force used varies from patient to patient and is mainly determined by the condition of the patient. Excessive weight tends to require a higher degree of compression depending to weight that is just slightly more than average. A plastic tube continuous with the band has one of its ends placed just below the skin in an accessible area. The force of compression can be adjusted by filling the tube with saline or withdrawing it.

There are a number of complications that may be encountered with this procedure. These include among others, injury to vital structures in the abdominal cavity, infections, bleeding, nausea and vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are often the result of too much compression. Withdrawing some water from the control tubing helps relieve the pressure which in turn reduces the likelihood of nausea and vomiting. Antibiotics have to be administered to reduce the risk of infections.

Just like banding, gastrectomy can be performed either through the open technique or laparoscopically. The procedure itself involves the reduction of stomach volume by surgically removing a portion of it. An incision is made along the greater length of the stomach and as much as 80% is removed leaving behind a very small part that can hold just an ounce of food. The resultant shape looks like a sleeve hence the name.

The tubular structure of the stomach after the operation reduces the transit time of food considerably. This means that less nutrients are absorbed and this is what all bariatric operations aim to achieve. Side effects that may arise from gastrectomy are similar to those that are seen with the banding procedure. Those that may relate to gastrectomy only include food leakage and the loss of stitches or staples.

An ideal candidate to undergo bariatric surgery is one who has attempted achieving their objective using conservative methods. Such include participation in regular physical exercise and diet modification in a manner that reduces carbohydrate and fat content. Persons that have a high body mass index BMI of say, 40, are more likely to benefit than those with a lower value of this index.




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