Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery Guide

Sunday, February 5th, 2012

For obese individuals who have decided to undergo weight loss surgery, a new technique known as laparoscopic bariatric surgery is now available.

This minimally invasive laparoscopic bariatric surgical procedure involves a bypass of a portion of the stomach. Options include laparoscopic isolated gastric bypass, adjustable gastric band, Roux-en-Y and sleeve gastrectomy.

Using a laparoscope, four to six small openings approximately one-half to one inch long are made in the patient’s abdomen. These openings allow the bariatric surgeon to pass a light, a camera, and some surgical instruments into the abdomen.

Next, the abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas in order to allow the surgeon to get a better view of the inside of the stomach and its internal structures. Surgical instruments about the size of a pencil are then placed into the abdomen to perform the surgery.

In a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, more than 95 percent of the stomach is bypassed and only a small portion remains functional. A  related bariatric procedure known as a sleeve gastrectomy involves the removal of roughly 70% of the stomach by bypassing the intestines.

Adjustable Gastric Band Procedure

In an adjustable gastric band procedure, the stomach is restricted by the placement of the gastric band, which can be adjusted after surgery for further weight loss.

A gastric band device is inserted through very small incisions in the abdomen and then placed around the upper part of the stomach. The resulting pouch (sometimes called the “new stomach”) dramatically reduces the digestive capacity of the stomach.

The band has a balloon on the inside that is adjustable in order to reduce stoma size. This prolongs the period of fullness, and reduces food consumption.

This weight loss surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes from 30 minutes to an hour to complete. The band is fitted around the uppermost section of the stomach, forming a very small pouch.

The pouch is designed so that it can be inflated or deflated at any time after the operation. With the support of a bariatric surgery diet, this helps the patient continue to lose weight until their weight-loss goals are achieved.

Minimally invasive bariatric surgery has been performed since the mid-1990′s. The overall results after laparoscopic weight loss surgery appear to be equal to open bariatric procedures.

Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery Candidates

Not all patients are suitable for laparoscopic weight reduction surgery, so an open bariatric weight loss procedure is sometimes necessary.

These days, almost all bariatric operations can be performed using laparoscopic techniques. Currently, bariatric surgical procedures are the most effective way to achieve significant, sustained weight loss for the morbidly obese.

The treatment of obesity through surgery is often more successful than fad diets, meal supplements and shape-up-in-a-hurry exercise programs. Acupuncture to lose weight may or may not be effective in cases of morbid obesity, but is certainly worth trying.

When performed by properly trained surgeons, bariatric surgery performed via laparoscope appears to speed recovery and helps patients return to a normal, productive life sooner than with open surgical procedures.

Nevertheless, when considering weight loss surgery, be sure to research the background and qualifications of your bariatric doctor thoroughly. It is not a decision to be taken lightly.