What One Should Know About Lap-band And Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy


By on 18:52

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.

These two surgeries are slightly different in the way in which they are done but their effect is the same; they all reduce the size of the stomach. As a result the amount of food that can be eaten during a single meal is markedly reduced. Most of what is consumed is used for energy provision and very little ends up as stored fat. Over time, there is net weight loss. The main difference that exists is that lap band is temporary (reversible) while 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.

There are a number of side effects associated with this surgery. They include bleeding (usually minimal), vomiting, nausea and aversion to food. The compression force from the band can be increased or reduced to minimize the symptoms. This is can be achieved by injecting or withdrawing water from a plastic tubing attached to the band. When water is injected the compression increases and when it is withdrawn, it reduces.

In sleeve gastrectomy, surgical resection of the stomach helps to reduce it by as much as 80%. The resultant stomach takes the shape of a sleeve (hence the name). Due to the reduction in capacity there will be early satiety and generally a reduction in consumption of food. The other benefit of this transformation is the fact that transit time is greatly reduced and so is the absorption of nutrients.

Generally, surgical weight loss surgery is most beneficial in persons with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 40. In case they have weight related complications such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea and gastro esophageal reflux disease, a lower BMI may be considered. Bariatric surgeries have been shown to reduce the symptoms associated with these conditions.

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.

The operation is typically conducted as a day procedure meaning that you can leave the hospital on the same day. In a number of cases, there may be a need to remain in hospital for a day or two for observation. Once you are discharged, the doctor will prescribe a liquid diet for at least two weeks. Ensure that you adopt a healthy lifestyle after the operation so as to get optimal results.




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About Syed Faizan Ali

Faizan is a 17 year old young guy who is blessed with the art of Blogging,He love to Blog day in and day out,He is a Website Designer and a Certified Graphics Designer.