Stomach Stapling Surgery
One of the oldest weight loss surgeries is vertical banded gastroplasty commonalty known as stomach stapling. Most people are getting other surgeries done because the gastroplasty sugary can lead to other health problems. This weight loss sugary was created in the 1970’s as a safer alternate to the R-y-Gbp gastric bypass. Long-term studies have shown a prominent rate of weight regain or exacerbation of severe heartburn. Several randomized, prospective trials have demonstrated superior weight loss with R-y-Gbp compared to the vertical banded gastroplasty.
There are two forms of the vertical banded gastroplasty procedure. The first is the open vertical banded gastroplasty. This is performed by the surgeon making a several inch incision in the patient’s upper abdomen. Next, they cut a hole or window in the upper part of the stomach that is a few inches below the esophagus. After that, the surgeon makes a line of staples from the window to the esophagus creating a small pouch in the upper portion of the stomach. When doing so the surgeon must measure this pouch carefully. The finished pouch will only hold around a tablespoon of solid food and will be around 10% of the size of a normal stomach. Then, they make a band that is made out of polypropylene plastic and fits it around the stomach pouch outlet and the window. Then the band is stitched into place to create the opening for the flow of food. Due to the polypropylene plastic band not being able to stretch the food that the patients eat stay in the stomach longer and make them feel full on only a small amount of food for a long time.
The other method is the laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty. This method is preformed with the help of a bariatric laparoscope. This scope allows the surgeon to only have to make three small incisions on the left side of the abdomen for inserting the laparoscope, and a fourth incision about 2.5 inches on the right side of the abdomen. The surgeon can maneuver his interments and make the pouch along with inserting the band around the stomach all through the incisions that they had made.
To be a candidate for one of the methods of this surgery you must be able to show that you have a BMI over 40 unless you have health problems that can be related to obesity. Then if you have a BMI of 35 you may be able to have the surgery. These health problems include diabetes, high blood pressure and some others. You also must demonstrate failure to lose or regain of weight despite having tried a multidisciplinary weight control program along with reach full adult growth.
However, there are many risks that are related to the vertical banded gastroplasty. Some of the risks include damage to the spleen which can happen during surgery due to how close it is to the stomach. Normally this can be repaired during the surgery. Also, it can result in dehinscence which is when the staples forming the pouch at the upper part of the stomach come loose. In the long run it is common for patients to regain weight that they have lost. This is more common in vertical banded gastroplasty than in most weight loss surgeries. There are also cases of around 20% op patients that have ongoing heartburn and vomiting. Some people also develop psychological problems and have a difficult time adjusting to their new appearance. This, in most cases causes them to form a case of depression.
Not all weightless surgeries are meant for everyone. Seek advice from your healthcare provider before making any final decisions.
