Important Facts On Gastric Banding And Sleeve Gastrectomy

By Martha Foster


Lifestyle changes are one of the most effective approaches in achieving weight loss. While their effect can be clearly appreciated in a majority of New York residents over time, there is a smaller group of people in whom these lifestyle changes alone cannot achieve the desired results. These people form the bulk of potential candidates for surgical weight loss procedures which include gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy. The two operations are examples of 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.

Gastric banding involves the placement of a silicon band on the fundus (upper part) of the stomach. The band exerts a squeeze in this region effectively converting the organ into a small pouch with an outlet capable of holding just an ounce of food. This procedure is done using laparoscopy which has a number of advantages over conventional (open) surgical operations. They include, smaller incisions, less bleeding and less prominent scars.

To retain control on the band, the surgeon connects it to an area just below the skin using a plastic tube. Sterile water or saline can be injected into this tube or drawn from it to increase or reduce the squeeze. The final effect is increased or reduced capacity. Increasing the capacity may be necessary if there are unwanted side effects. Reducing it, on the other hand, is necessary if the benefits are not being realized.

Gastric banding has been shown to cause up to 50% in weight loss in a couple of months. The procedure is largely safe but a few side effects may be experienced. Such may include nausea and vomiting, wound infections or minor bleeding. Adjusting the tube often resolves the nausea and vomiting but removal of the tube may be needed if these effects are severe.

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 is safe for use in children and adolescents. There are no adverse effects on growth for children aged less than fourteen years according to studies. The main side effects of this operation include leakage, aversion to food, vomiting, esophageal spasms and infections among others. With time, the stomach may dilate. This occurs over years and is rarely 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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