Finding Out About The Methods Used In Stomach Reduction Surgery
08.08.10
Stomach reduction surgery, also know as bariatric or weight loss surgery is a type of surgery that is basically done to help people lose weight.The main objective for this procedure is to reduce the amount of f food and calorie intake of the stomach by reducing its overall size and capacity. Studies show that a stomach reduction surgery improves cardiovascular problem factors, recovery from diabetes, and can cause a long-term weight loss.
Reasons for having the Surgery
As previously implied, stomach reduction surgery is performed for the purpose of losing weight when all forms of exercise and diet have failed. Although it has been shown to aid in the recovery from diabetes, it is not often performed for that purpose. According to the U.S. National Institute Health, surgery is only recommended for those people who have a BMI of at least 40 or are seriously obese.They can also suggest that diabetics with a body mass index of 35 have this procedure.
The Procedure
In the United States, there are four variations of stomach reduction surgeries that are typically carried out. These are the gastric bypass, adjustable gastric band (AGB), vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), and biliopancreatic diversion(BPD).
The most common type of gastric bypass surgery is the Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass (RYGB). In this type of procedure, a plastic band or surgical staples are used to create a small pouch at the top of the stomach, making the stomach smaller. The stomach is then connected to the jejunum (middle part of the small intestine), bypassing the duodenum (upper part of the small intestine) and the rest of the stomach.
In Adjustable Gastric Band, also referred as lap band, an inflatable silicone device that is usually inserted via laparoscopic surgery is placed around the higher part of the stomach. The stomach’s opening is controlled by the inflatable silicone device that can be customized depending on your requirements.
Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is also known as Vertical Gastroplasty and Gastric Reduction, but may also be called many forms of gastrectomy including Sleeve, Parietal, Greater Curvature, Vertical and Logitudinal – it is a surgical method in which the stomach is reduced to 15% of the original size. A large portion of the stomach is taken away and with the use of surgical staples, the open edges are attached together to form a tube or a sleeve that is almost the same to the shape of a banana.
There are two types of biliopancreatic diversion surgeries, the biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) and the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS). The biliopancreatic diversion involves the removal of a large portion of the stomach. The remaining portion is connected to the lower part of the small intestine. On the other hand, in biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, there is still the surgical removal of the stomach, however, the remaining portion is still attached to the duodenum (upper part of the small intestine). It is also known as duodenal switch because it involves the rerouting of both the food and the digestive juices.
Post Procedure/Recovery Period
You can return to your normal activities in three to five weeks.After surgery, you’ll need to make a few changes to your diet. These include eating only a few ounces of food at a time since the operated stomach can only hold minute amounts of food; chewing your food in the correct way and eating very slowing to avoid being sick and pain; and not having liquids of any form 30 minutes before eating, during meals and after eating because there isn’t enough room in your stomach.
Also be aware that you should avoid sugar dense foods like candy and sweets, ice cream, juice and some soft drinks.Sugars of a simple substance can cause what is known as dumping – a condition where food products will move very quickly through your digestive system and can cause shaking, dizziness, sweating, an increase in heart rate and possibly sever diarrhea. Since your stomach is now smaller in size, you may not absorb all the necessary nutrients that your body needs.So it is recommended that you take supplements and vitamin products.
Costs
Stomach reduction surgeries can cost around $20,000 to $25,000.If the procedure is not required for cosmetic reasons, but for a medically related purpose, then your insurance company may pay up for he cost of the procedure.
Risks and Complications
Aside from the typical risks associated with invasive procedures such as bleeding and infection, other issues that you may find after a stomach reduction surgery include malnutrition and hernia. Malnutrition can happen due to the lesser absorption of food and nutrients after the surgery.
Considerations
If you have not been able to lose weight with other methods, your doctor may consider going for this procedure.Also, added to that, you may be eligible for stomach reduction surgery if you have been obese for 5 years or more and have no major signs of a depressive state or psychiatric disorder.