Basic Information On Weight Reduction Surgery

By Kathy Kaufman


Weight reduction surgery or bariatric surgery describes a series of surgical procedures that are performed on obese persons. In the process the stomach is reduced in size by removing a portion. This is achieved by use of what is referred to as sleeve gastrectomy or a simple gastric band. Another option involves the resection and diversion of the small gut to the stomach. Such a procedure is very beneficial to persons that have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. It reduces the risk of complications in these persons.

Bariatric surgery is most helpful in persons that have a body mass index, BMI, of more than 40. It is also recommended for those that have medical conditions that are likely to be worsened by obesity. These include among others, glucose intolerance, hyperlipidaemia and diabetes. Surgical options are reserved for cases that are unresponsive to medical therapy.

There are a number of advantages and disadvantages associated with this surgery. All these need to be taken into account before a decision is made on whether the procedure is necessary. Some of the possible complications that should be anticipated include malabsorption of nutrients and gall bladder disease. The risk of depression is also high and as such these persons should be counselled.

Surgical procedures are grouped in to three main categories. These are malabsorptive, restrictive or mixed. The most commonly performed is the malabsorptive procedure. Malabsorptive operations aim at creating a physiological state of malabsorption. Biliopancreatic diversion combined with duodenal switch (BDS/DS) is one such undertaking. A section of the stomach is resected, creating a smaller pouch which is then directly connected to the ileum, bypassing the duodenum and jejunum. The malabsorption that results can be severe enough to cause serious deficiency diseases such as osteoporosis and anemia unless vitamins and mineral supplements are administered.

The restrictive procedure is one that minimizes eating by restricting the stomach volume. Persons that have undergone this type often get satisfied earlier than normal. Vertical banded gastroplasty is one of the procedures that can be used here. It involves the permanent placement of staples on the stomach in a manner that results in the creation of a smaller pouch. It is the safest.

Another effective technique that is restrictive in nature is what is referred to as sleeve gastrectomy. As much as 15% of the stomach can be resected by use of this technique. Most of this portion is taken from the greater curvature. This technique transforms it into a tubular shape. Laparoscopes are often used to improve on the accuracy.

In the immediate post-operation period, one should only take liquid foods such as fruit juices and broth and gelatin desserts which are sugar-free. One should eat these foods until the gut fully recovers from the operation. Other diets to be introduced slowly include skimmed milk, cream soup, protein drinks and blended foods.

As happens with any surgical operation, there are a number of risks that should be anticipated both in the short term and long term. In these patients calcium absorption is often compromised leading to metabolic bone diseases. Osteopenia and secondary hyperparathyroidism are some clinical features that may be encountered. Rapid loss of weight is a predisposing factor for gall stone formation and one will therefore need to have this at the back of their mind. Other complications of weight reduction surgery include decreased absorption of nutrients such as vitamin B12, thiamine, iron and folate.




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