Understanding Lap-band And Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

By Timothy Brown


Bariatric surgeries are becoming a preferred mode of weight loss all over the world include New York City. The reasons behind this are the increase safety and effectiveness of these procedures. Three main types of weight loss surgeries are performed: gastric banding, gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. Both similarities and difference exist among these techniques. Lap-band and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy are associated with better outcomes than the bypass procedure.

Surgical options for weight should only come in when all the other methods have been exhausted. The general recommendation is that conservative options should be tried out for at least 6 months. Dietary modification is one of the approaches that have been shown to be quite effective in achieving weight loss. One should strive to reduce their consumption of fats and carbohydrates and increase that of vegetables and fruits. Regular physical exercise also has a role to play.

You need to have a discussion with your doctor before choosing between the banding procedure and gastrectomy. Benefits and risks need to be considered for one to make an informed decision. In general, the main similarity between these two techniques is the fact that both can be done by accessing the abdomen through the laparoscopic technique or through the open technique. The main difference is that banding is reversible while gastrectomy is not.

During the open procedure, a large incision running from the epigastric area to the pubic region is made. The surgeon can visualize the stomach through this incision and place the band directly. When the laparoscopic option is used, on the other hand, very small incisions are created in the anterior abdominal region. These incisions (also known as ports) are used for the entry of instruments.

Gastrectomy involves reduction of stomach size by removing between 75 and 80% of the organ. The operation leaves behind a small tubular structure whose shape is like a sleeve thus the name of the procedure. Laparoscopic access to the abdominal cavity is the most preferred technique. Once the unwanted portion has been removed, the remaining part is stitched using staples or surgical sutures. With a significant reduction in capacity, the stomach can only hold a limited amount of food.

There are a number of complications that potential candidates need to be aware of. These include, among others, excessive loss of blood, accidental injury to internal organs and postoperative infections. The loss of stitches or staples used in closure may be seen in very rare circumstances. When it occurs, it leads to leakage of digested foods and acids which may in turn lead to chemical injury of various organs.

When the size of the stomach is reduced, the amount of food that can be consumed by an individual is also reduced. Smaller stomachs tend to fill faster hence the individual will experience early satiety. When 80% of the organ is removed, a significant size or the surface area is also removed meaning that the absorptive capacity is reduced. The end result of all these is steady weight loss whose effects will become evident within weeks and months.

There are a number of conditions that may increase the risk of these operations. Patients with hormonal imbalance (such as hyperthyroidism) and metabolic conditions (such as diabetes) need to have these problems solved first before they have the operation. Apart from the systemic conditions, diseases that affect the stomach may delay healing and lead to poor outcomes. Examples include inflammatory bowel disease and peptic ulcer disease. These too have to be managed beforehand.




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