The term stomach reduction surgery can also be called weight loss or bariatric surgery and is really conducted for the main purpose of reducing the weight of the patient.The real aim for this type of procedure is to make sure that the stomach cannot hold as much food, so reducing the capacity and size and the overall calories taken in. Studies have revealed that a stomach reduction surgery improves cardiovascular risk 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 help in the recovery from diabetes, it is not often carried out for that purpose. According to the U.S. National Institute of Health, stomach reduction surgery is recommended only to those who are dangerously obese or those with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40. They also recommend this procedure to diabetic individuals with a BMI of 35.
The Procedure
In the United States, there are four kinds 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 upper portion of the stomach. The stomach’s opening is controlled by the inflatable silicone device that can be customized depending on your needs.
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 removed 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 carry on with 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 properly and eating very slowing to avoid being sick and pain; and not partaking in liquids of any form 30 minutes before eating, during meals and after eating because there isn’t enough room in your stomach.
Also, you should really avoid foods that are high in sugar content including ice cream, candy and chocolate and some soft drinks and juices.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 vitamins and supplements are taken.
Costs
Stomach reduction surgeries can cost in the area of $20,000 to $25,000.If the surgical procedure is for medical and not cosmetiv reasons then your insurance company may well cough up for the cost of treatments.
Risks and Complications
Aside from the typical risks associated with invasive procedures such as bleeding and infection, other concerns 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.Added to that, if you are aged between 18 and 64 have no depressive symptoms or other psychiatric problems and have been obese for five years or more you might qualify for surgery to reduce your stomach size.
