What Exactly Is Stomach Stapling? - Vertical Banded Gastroplasty
Stomach stapling is also called Vertical banded gastroplasty or gastric bypass. This is a major operation, which is done by grossly overweight persons to reduce their weight when all other attempts like diet control and exercise have failed to bring down the weight.
Stomach stapling consists of creating a small pouch in the stomach to restrict the food intake. Band and staples are used in this procedure. At the bottom of the pouch a small hole is made through which the pouch contents can flow and then proceed with the normal food absorption.
This operation is done in a hospital requiring three or four days stay after the procedure. Total anesthesia is given and the operation is done either by regular means or through laproscopy. It may take three to four hours.
Though many people undergo this operation, it is quite a serious one with many side effects, long term diet control, and risks which include even death. After the operation the patient may have a small tube hanging from his stomach. He will be on liquid diet. After a couple of days the dietician will chalk out a diet plan as the patient needs eight to ten small meals every day to keep his nutritional needs intact. As the meals are small, the calories consumed are less and the weight loss is fast. This means that the patient will need another operation to combat fast weight reduction, which may result in, the skin hanging or developing wrinkles.
As the food intake is less, he has to be very careful of what he eats. Proteins being most essential should taken first. Too much food will cause vomiting or diarrhea or gastric problems. The pouch is the size of a walnut and the patient will not be able to eat and drink at the same time and this is lifelong. So he has to carefully study his diet chart and follow it properly. Otherwise he may get anemia, osteoporosis, some digestive tract diseases, infections etc.
Soon after the operation he may experience body pain, weakness and uneasiness. With medicines this will become normal. Full recovery from the operation can be expected after four to six weeks. As the food he consumes may not give full nutrients the patient needs to take vitamins regularly. This procedure is not easily reversible hence the patient needs to have realistic approach, talk to his doctor and find out all the details before he goes in for it.
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Dr. Jim Greene would like to invite you to visit the resources above if you are interested in learning more about stomach stapling and other various bariatric surgery procedures.
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
Added: April 16, 2008