The Rise Of Popularity In Lap-Band And Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

By Arthur Young


Sleeve Gastrectomy or gastric sleeve, is one of the most commonly performed bariatric surgical procedures today. In this weight loss surgery the stomach volume is reduced by surgically removing up to 85% of the stomach area, with the remaining part shaped like a tube or a sleeve, hence the name. The Lap-Band and Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, the can be done as part one of gastric bypass procedure or as a definite procedure. It is a restrictive procedure which restricts the amount of food you can consume.

The procedure is gaining in popularity and acceptance among the morbidly obese and bariatric population over the past few years, thanks to the breakthrough of laparoscopic surgical techniques that have made this bariatric procedure simple, safe and quicker weight loss option.

Research has now found that obese patients that go through this procedure are able to keep the excess weight off for longer. The study found that patients lost 57.4% of excessive BMI (Body Mass Index) over a period of 5 years.

The procedure is considered minimally invasive, usually resulting in smaller scars, lesser pain, a shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery. In the surgery, a bariatric expert will remove approximately 85% of the stomach, along with most of hunger-stimulating hormones, Ghrelin. Using a stapling device, a thin vertical sleeve of stomach is created and the remaining large portion of the stomach is removed.

Other benefits seen with this surgery are the reduction of related conditions found in obese patients. Patients with diabetes have seen their diabetes reduce and even go into total remission after this surgery. Others experienced a reduction in sleep apnea problems. The ability to move, climb stairs and walk may be impaired with obesity, but the weight loss achieved after surgery allowed patients to increase their physical activity. High blood pressure was also found to stabilize sometimes eliminating the need for medication.

Technically, it is a less invasive procedure, as pyloric valve and small intestine remain intact. The surgery takes only 60 - 90 minutes to complete. Much smaller scars, quicker recovery times and shorter hospital stays are added benefits.

This procedure doesn't require regular check-ups and adjustments like the gastric band. With gastric sleeve, there is no malabsorption of nutrients therefore you are not required to take minimal vitamin and mineral supplementation after the surgery. This make it less costly and more effective, partly contributing to its popularity. It does not require extreme adjustment to the lifestyle, and is therefore an easy and more successful procedure.

The procedure minimizes the chances of developing vitamins and minerals deficiencies as well as lessens the chances of ulcers and dumping syndrome. The gastrointestinal tract anatomy is not altered and the stomach's normal function is preserved, allowing the ingested food to follow the normal course. Shorter hospital stay is another advantage. A patient may remain hospitalized for 1 to 2 days for the observation. People may return to day to to day activities 2 weeks after the surgery. For any strenuous activity and heavy lifting you are advised to wait for the next 4 to 6 weeks.




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