New weight loss procedures continue to emerge and doctors, patients, and researchers continue to debate the positive and negative aspects of these procedures. The lap-band procedure was designed to make it easier for patients to lose weight because it reduces the amount of time that they would otherwise need to eat. The newest in this series of weight-loss surgeries, known as bariatric surgery, is designed to help those who are morbidly obese or overweight manage their health and their bodies. In the process, they may lose more weight and live longer.
One of the new weight loss procedures being used is called endoscopic sleeve procedure or GRS. This new procedure uses a slender tube that is inserted through an incision in the belly and into the stomach. It is similar to a laparoscope, but smaller. Through this small tube, a surgeon can see the contents of the stomach and can make adjustments in the amount that is consumed. By reducing the amount of food that is ingested, the person may lose pounds over time.
Another new weight loss procedure is known as Roux en-Y gastric bypass surgery. The patient will be given a prescription for an anticonvulsant such as Neurontin (which is used in some Parkinson's disease patients) or Prednisone to block the nerve impulses that signal food in the stomach. The anticonvulsant will also prevent the acids produced during digestion from stimulating the release of gastric acid and pepsin. These acids will then exit the stomach via the small intestine and leave behind scar tissue. This new surgical procedure is similar to other surgical procedures that reduce the amount of food that a person eats. Patients who have undergone this type of surgery typically lose about one-third of their excess weight within a month of performing this procedure.
A less invasive surgical procedure, known as fundoplication, involves placing a stent in the stomach through an eight-inch incision in the skin. Patients who undergo this procedure lose approximately half their excess weight and are able to eat small, solid foods after a week. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and lasts approximately thirty minutes. Patients who participate in laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery only need a small incision and a small tube to transport the food through the small intestine, rather than a large tube. Laparoscopic surgery is often performed in ten minute increments.
A suturing device will be placed in the stomach to hold the staples in place. In order to reduce the chances of the gastric band damaging surrounding tissue, the suturing device will be placed inside the lower esophageal sphincter, as it is the muscle that closes the opening between the stomach and the upper esophagus. In addition to the suturing device, patients will receive pre-fabricated linings in order to help them keep the suturing device in place. This lining will be removed in about three weeks, or after a patient has been eating for two to four weeks without consuming any solid foods.
After a patient has undergone any of these three procedures, they will begin an active lifestyle program. To prevent further loss of body mass, patients should make sure to have at least thirty calories per meal, which can be increased by adding protein to the diet. They should also consume about sixteen ounces of water each day, which can be increased by drinking cold water. In order to achieve the ideal weight loss, patients should perform physical exercise three to four days a week, which can be done one day each week.
After recovering from surgery, patients should avoid consuming high calorie foods such as sodas, cookies, and candy. These foods increase the level of gastric acids, which can cause additional damage to the stomach lining. Instead, patients should eat smaller meals more often, which will decrease the amount of gastric acids that are produced and keep them from staying in the stomach. Eating smaller meals will also help reduce the pains felt in the abdomen area.
After recovering from surgery, it is important that patients follow a proper exercise and nutritional regimen. Exercising regularly will improve the tone of the muscles. Nutritional advice is very important for patients who are undergoing this procedure to prevent osteoporosis as well as other health problems. Patients should stay away from alcohol and drugs, which can drastically alter the way the stomach functions. In addition, patients should speak with their personal doctor before undergoing any type of procedure to ensure the safety of their current medications and any future procedures.
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