Important Facts On Gastric Banding And Sleeve Gastrectomy

By Martha Foster


Having a balanced diet and engaging in physical activity regularly are two of the most well-known options of weight loss. While they may be effective in a majority of New York residents, there are cases where a more aggressive approach is needed. Surgical options such as gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy are often considered as a last resort for such cases. They are types of what is referred to as bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgeries are also known as restrictive surgeries. This is because they are designed to reduce the capacity of the stomach which effectively reduces the amount of food that is held at any given point in time. Since, the stomach fills a lot faster than before, there is early satiety and by extension, reduced food intake. The weight loss that is seen in subsequent weeks and months is mainly due to reduced food intake.

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.

The band is connected through a plastic tubing to an area just below the skin. The surgeon (or patient) can exert control on the pressure created by the band. When saline is injected through the tube, the pressure is increased which decreases the volume of the stomach further. This may be needed if the desired effects are not being seen. Drawing the saline achieves the reverse effect which is a reduction in the squeeze and an increase in the stomach volume.

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.

Sleeve gastrectomy involves the removal of a large part of the stomach to leave between 20 and 25% of the original. The resultant shape is tubular or sleeve-shaped (hence the name). Weight loss is mainly due to two effects. The first is the reduced volume which also reduces food intake and contributes to early satiety. The second is the increased transit time that reduces food absorption.

Sleeve gastrectomy may be used in adolescents and children. Studies have ruled out any major effects on growth in children less than 14 years. The side effects that one should anticipate include nausea, aversion to food, leakage of food, infections and esophageal spasms among others. After some years, the stomach may dilate slightly but this is hardly a cause for worry.

These two surgeries are performed as day cases. One can, therefore, be released to go home on the same day. Resumption of the normal daily routine can occur within a day or two. As for the diet, one needs to be on liquid diet and mashed foods for at least two weeks. The food to be eaten for the first two weeks should be either liquid diet or mashed foods.




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