Obesity is a global problem and in the United States it has become an increasing epidemic. Obesity affects the quality of life of a person. If you are obese person you know that you have restricted movements. It is difficult to find clothes that would fit you. You are at risk of serious illnesses. Bariatric surgery is the best solution for morbid obesity. Bariatric surgery in Long Island, NY has been helping many obese people to live normal lives. Bariatric surgery patients have completely and earnestly changed their lifestyles after surgery.
How Bariatric Surgery Works: Before, During, and After
Bariatric surgery is a surgical procedure intended to lose weight. It is a surgery performed on the stomach and intestines. The surgery involves the shrinking of the stomach so that it can only hold small amounts of food at a time. It may also involve changing how the digestive system absorbs the food.
Bariatric surgery is not a treatment for obesity. It is a tool to lose weight. But the method is a long term and sustainable process of losing weight.
There are two main types of bariatric surgery.
• Restrictive procedure – In this procedure the size of the stomach is decreased so that you feel full after just eating small amounts of food. A normal stomach can hold as much as 6 cups. But after surgery it can only hold one cup.
• Malabsorptive procedure – In this procedure the absorption of calories in the small intestines is decreased.
Preparations before bariatric surgery
- You are given anesthesia so you are in deep sleep for the whole duration of the procedure.
- A breathing tube is inserted through your mouth and down your windpipe. This is to help you breathe while the surgery is done.
- Your vital signs are monitored.
How bariatric surgery is performed
During the operation the bariatric surgeon will perform surgery depending on the type of bariatric Surgery you require. The Bariatric surgeon has two ways of performing the surgery.
- Open method – the surgeon makes an 8 to 10 inches incision on your stomach.
- Keyhole incisions – the surgeon makes a number of small keyholes incisions on your stomach through which he can insert a laparoscope and other surgical tools. A laparoscope is a tiny lighted instrument that sends images to the monitor inside the operating room.
After bariatric surgery procedures
After the bariatric surgery is performed, the surgeon closes your incisions using staples or stitches. Your breathing tube is removed and you will be taken to a recovery area where your vital signs are closely monitored. You will be prescribed medicines for pain and a prepared diet that you have to strictly follow for the next few days.
Bariatric Surgery Procedures
With the advancement of medical technology, different bariatric surgery procedures are being discovered. However, these are most common procedures:
Gastric Bypass. The bariatric Surgeon uses surgical staples to create a small pouch from your stomach. This will be your new stomach. It can only hold one cup of food. The bigger portion of your stomach will continue to secrete digestive juices but food cannot get inside it.
Then the surgeon cuts your small intestine a few inches from your stomach. He will attach the lower end to the pouch. The other end is attached to the small intestines a little lower down. The result will look like a Y shape.
In this procedure food bypasses the lower stomach and the first part of the small intestines where absorption of much calories happen. With the new pathway, there is fewer calories absorbed.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy. In this procedure, the bariatric Surgeon reduces the size of the stomach by removing the outer margin of the stomach to limit the food that it can hold. The remaining sleeve of stomach which now is the size and shape of a banana, contains the pylorus or the muscle that controls the movement of food into the intestine.
This type of bariatric surgery is simpler compared to gastric bypass. It does not do any rerouting or reconnections of intestines.
Adjustable gastric band. In this type of bariatric surgery, the surgeon can do two methods. One method is to shrink your stomach to a small pouch by tying a band on your stomach. The small pouch has a small opening so that food will pass slowly to the rest of the stomach. You will feel full quickly and for a longer time.
Another method is called the vertical band gastroplasty where the Bariatric Surgeon cuts a window on your upper stomach. He will staple your stomach around the window, towards your esophagus. He creates a small pouch at the top. A stiff plastic band is passed through the window and wrapped around the small outlet of the pouch to prevent it from stretching.
Food will slowly move through a small opening to the lower stomach and other parts of the digestive tract. This method lessens the absorption of calories in your small intestines.
Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. In this type of bariatric surgery, the surgeon reduces the size of the stomach by making a small stomach pouch shaped like a tube and removing the rest of the stomach. The small pouch is attached to the lowest part of the small intestines.
The food you eat goes through the pouch and moves directly to the last part of your small intestines.
Who is a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
Not everyone who is overweight is qualified for bariatric surgery. These are some characteristics that qualify the best candidates for said surgery:
- If you are more than 100 pounds overweight.
- If you have a body mass index of 35 and is suffering from health conditions related to obesity such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea or asthma.
- You are 18 years old and above.
- Have been performing weight loss methods that do not involve surgery such as exercising and dieting.
- You commit to a long-term total lifestyle change which may include medical needs, dietary and exercise.
How do you pick a Bariatric Surgeon?
Undergoing bariatric surgery is a major decision. You must be committed to a total change of your lifestyle and follow the instructions faithfully. Another major decision you will make is choosing the bariatric surgeon.
Here are some helpful tips in finding the best bariatric surgeon:
- Your bariatric surgeon must be someone you trust and you are comfortable with. He can provide excellent after care and has a regular support group. He must be someone who listens to and understands your needs and lifestyle.
- Check your bariatric surgeon’s credentials. He must be experienced and skilled with the procedure that you have chosen. He has the resources and a support staff who will provide quality care after the surgery. He is undergoing a continuing training and education on bariatric surgery. He must be a certified general surgeon and a trained fellowship bariatric surgeon.
- Ask your surgeon if you could meet and talk to his previous patients.
- Know the different procedures he has performed.
- Since no specific bariatric surgery works best for all individuals, your bariatric surgeon must understand your lifestyle before me makes recommendation on what produce to use.
- Attend free informational seminars.
Dr. Arif Ahmad is known to be the best Bariatric Surgeon in Long Island, NY. He specializes in minimal invasive surgery. He is a specialist in laparoscopic gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and lap band. He is the first surgeon in Long Island to have performed Robotic Assisted gastric bypass.
Why You Should Choose Dr. Arif Ahmad?
Dr. Arif Ahmad and his team of expert doctors and medical staff are highly recognized in New York. They helped several morbid obese patients live normal lives. They are equipped with technology, knowledge and skill to give you’re the best surgical care. Visit our website : https://www.drahmadmd.com
Contact us :
631-619-2104
Long Island Laparoscopic Surgery | Bariatric Surgeon
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