Basics On Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Houston Need To Be Familiar With

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.

Gastric banding is the commonest of the three and by far, the most preferred. One of the reasons as to why it has found favor with clients is because, unlike the other two, it is reversible. Another major advantage is that it has fewer side effects. The procedure itself entails the placement of a small band on the stomach (usually the upper region) so as to reduce the functional capacity.

Modern techniques in surgery have made it possible to perform the procedure through minimal access using laparoscopy. Since the incisions that are being used are quite small, recovery is faster and the risk of side effects is markedly reduced. Some of the side effects that one may experience include aversion to food, vomiting, infections and bleeding among others. The position of the band can be readjusted to minimize the vomiting.

Sleeve gastrectomy is a more invasive option. It involves the shaping of a stomach onto a sleeve (or tubular shape) by resecting it along its length. As much as 80% of the operation can be removed leaving just a small pouch. The significance of this is that there is a huge reduction in the amount of food that can be held at a given time. This type of operation can also be performed through laparoscopy.

Apart from reducing the capacity of the stomach (and thus leading to early satiety). The operation also causes faster emptying of the gut which reduces the time available for food to be absorbed. The few calories that are generated are mainly used in the generation of energy required for day-to-day activities. Very little is available for conversion to fat. The overall effect within weeks and months is weight loss.

The most common side effects of sleeve gastrectomy are leakage of digested food and bleeding. There may be a need to have additional procedures to correct the leakage. Others include infections, damage to vital structures such as the vagus nerve, vomiting and esophageal spasms. In spite of these complications, the popularity of the procedure appears to be on the rise particularly among children and adults.

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.

Before a decision to have weight loss surgery is made, one needs to consult with their doctor. Since surgery, is a last resort in most cases, the doctor will be helpful in identifying any other options that can be used in losing weight. If a decision to have the operation is made, a number of tests may be needed. Strive to continue with regular exercise and to have a proper diet to augment the benefits of surgery.




About the Author:



Share on :

0 comments:

Post a Comment