Important Information Related To Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Houston Residents Need To Have

By Andrew Miller


Bariatric surgery is any operation that is performed with the aim of achieving weight loss. It is an option that is considered when lifestyle modification has proved in effective in achieving the same. There are three main types of surgeries that fall under this category. They include lap bad gastric surgery, gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. If they wish to undergo bariatric weight loss surgery Houston residents need to know a number of things beforehand.

The commonest among the three options is gastric banding. One of the reasons as to why it is preferred over the others is the fact that it is reversible. The other two are permanent. It also has fewer side effects since no actual cutting of the stomach takes place. To perform the procedure, a silicon band is placed on the fundus (upper region of the stomach). The band exerts pressure that converts the stomach into a small pouch.

The modern techniques gain entry into the abdomen using minimal access methods. This has largely been facilitated by use of an instrument known as a laparoscope. Such techniques have led to fewer complications and faster recovery times. The main side effects that may be experienced after the lap band procedure include infections, nausea and vomiting. In the long term, the scars are smaller and less prominent.

Sleeve gastrectomy is more invasive as it entails cutting of the stomach. The stomach is cut along its length and about 80% of it removed. This effectively converts the organ into a sleeve-like shape (hence the name of the procedure). The amount of food that can be held is greatly reduced and this causes weight loss in subsequent weeks and months.

The benefits of gastrectomy are mainly two fold; reduced food intake and reduced transit time through the stomach. The effect of these two is that less food is absorbed hence fewer calories are generated. Very little food s converted to fat and protein if at all. In the end, there is progressive weight loss in subsequent weeks and months.

Leakage of food through the incision site on the stomach and bleeding are the most commonly encountered side effects related to sleeve gastrectomy. A corrective surgical operation may be needed in the case of leakage. Other possible complications are vomiting, esophageal spasms, vague nerve injury and deep venous thrombosis among others. Even with the risk of these complications, the demand for this procedure has continued to increase over time.

The most radical option is gastric bypass surgery. In this type of operation, the stomach is first re-sectioned and the lower part removed. The remaining upper portion (fundus) is stitched to the last part of the intestines, bypassing two other parts in the process. The effect of all this is a reduction in the surface area that is available for absorption of nutrients which in turn leads to weight loss.

The decision to have the operation should be made collectively between you and your doctor. In most cases, the surgery is a last resort after all the other options have been considered. A number of tests may be necessary to determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate. It is important that one continues with a healthy lifestyle even after the operation so as to get the most out of it.




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