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 main purpose of this surgery is to minimize the capacity of the stomach to hold food, so reducing the amount of calories and the amount of food.  Studies show 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 revealed to aid in the recovery from diabetes, it is not often carried out for that purpose.  According to the U.S. National Institute Health, surgery is only recommended for those people who have a BMI of at least 40 or are seriously obese.It can also be advised for people with diabetes with a BMI of 35 to have this procedure.

The Procedure

In the United States, there are four types of stomach reduction surgeries that are typically performed.  These are the gastric bypass, adjustable gastric band (AGB), vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), and biliopancreatic diversion(BPD).

The Roux-en-y gastric bypass or (RYGB) is the most common type of gastric surgery.  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 middle segment of the small intestine (called the jejunum) which bypasses the duodenum (which is the higher part of the small intestine) and the rest of the stomach.

In Adjustable Gastric Band, also referred as lap band, an inflatable silicone product that is usually inserted via laparoscopic surgery is placed around the higher portion of the stomach.  The stomach’s opening is run by the inflatable silicone device that can be customized depending on your requirements.

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 similar 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 return to your normal activities in three to five weeks.After the surgery you’ll need to make a number of changes to your dietry requirements.  These include eating only a few ounces of food at a time since the operated stomach can only hold very small amounts of food; chewing your food properly and eating very slowing to avoid being sick and pain; and not having 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.  Simple sugars can cause dumping, a condition wherein the food moves too quickly through your digestive system, causing rapid heart rate, dizziness, sweating, shaking, and in some cases, severe diarrhea.  Since your stomach is now smaller in size, you may not absorb all the necessary nutrients that your body needs.So supplements and vitamins are advised to be taken.

Costs

Stomach reduction surgeries can cost around $20,000 to $25,000.If the procedure is not required for cosmetic reasons, but for a medically related purpose, then your insurance company may pay up for he cost of the procedure.

Risks and Complications

Aside from the typical risks associated with invasive procedures such as bleeding and infection, other problems that you may have to take on board 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.Also, added to that, you may be eligible for stomach reduction surgery if you have been obese for 5 years or more and have no major signs of a depressive state or psychiatric disorder.

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