Gastroplasty
Gastroplasty or stomach stapling is the surgical procedure to section off a portion of the stomach to limit the amount of food allowed into the digestive system. The procedure is done to achieve weight loss and obtain weight control. Weight loss is defined as the decrease of body weight due to the loss of fluid, fat, or muscle. For people who have been unable to lose weight through the conventional methods of diet, exercise and/or medications this may be their only option for not only aesthetic, but health reasons as well. This course of action is often referred to as Bariatric surgery and is generally reserved for those individuals who are considered morbidly obese. Obesity results from the excessive accumulation of fat that exceeds the body’s physical standards. To be considered for gastroplasty a person needs to be at least 100lbs over the average for their height and weight and have a BMI greater than 40.
Gastroplasty or vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) is considered a restrictive procedure for weight loss. Restrictive procedures are based on the premise that if the stomach is smaller (or restricted), it will feel full faster and fewer calories will be consumed. Staples and a band of special synthetic material are used to create a small pouch within the stomach. A small hole is then created with the band through which food or nutrients can flow into the remainder of the stomach and intestines. The band portion of the surgery delays the emptying of food from the small pouch in the stomach, causing a feeling of fullness. This type of surgery does not interfere with the normal digestive process and is done only to prevent large quantities of food from entering. Consult with a bariatric surgery specialist to determine if gastroplasty is right for you. |
