Stomach Reduction Methods
What are the stomach reduction methods? How is stomach reduction surgery performed? How to reduce the stomach size with surgery?
The answers to these questions, which are within the field of expertise of the Obesity and Metabolic Surgery unit, are a matter of curiosity for many people who complain about their excess weight. Obesity, characterized by abnormal fat, occurs under the influence of environmental or genetic factors. Since obese people cannot lose weight easily, they have to resort to medical methods.
Stomach reduction methods are applied to patients who cannot achieve a solution with exercise, diet and similar non-surgical treatments.
What is stomach reduction surgery?
Surgical operations that aim to reduce stomach volume are called “stomach reduction surgery”. While some practices that constitute obesity surgery aim to restrict the amount of food entering the stomach, some surgical procedures appear as malabsorption surgeries that affect the absorption of food. Accordingly, surgical operations performed as stomach reduction methods can be listed as follows:
1. Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass, This method both prevents a part of the intestine from functioning in the digestive system and shrinks the stomach. In other words, it is a bariatric method that, on the one hand, reduces food absorption by changing intestinal functions, and on the other hand, restricts food intake. It is applied to morbid obesity patients. Also called ‘Roux-en-Y’.
2. Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery, It is also known as ‘Sleeve gastrectomy’. In this operation, a certain part of the stomach is removed and the rest of the organ is shaped into a tube or tube. In this way, the internal volume of the stomach is reduced. This directly reduces the patient’s amount of food. In addition, this process; Since it reduces the level of Ghrelin hormone in the stomach, it becomes easier to keep appetite under control. In this way, the patient eats less and feels full. After the operation, it is necessary to eat soft and liquid foods for a while.
3. Gastric clamp
This is a procedure where a clamp is placed around the stomach that can be tightened or expanded. With the help of the clamp we mentioned, the stomach experiences an hourglass-shaped narrowing and naturally the food intake decreases.
4. Gastric Fold
Besides these; Among the surgical stomach reduction methods, it is also possible to mention gastric folding surgery. During the operation in question, holes are made in the stomach and these are stitched by folding them on themselves. Thus, the stomach shrinks.
5. Gastric Balloon
Gastric ballon, It is applied by placing a liquid or air-filled balloon into the stomach. This is also an extremely effective method in reducing the total volume of the stomach. It varies as endoscopic and swallowable gastric balloon.
How is Stomach Reduction Surgery Performed?
Stomach reduction surgeries, which are used in the treatment of uncontrollable obesity, are mostly performed by laparoscopic, that is, closed surgery methods, under general anesthesia. Open surgery or robotic surgery methods are also used in some surgeries. Additionally, the patient may be asked to start a special diet program before the operation.
Surgery duration varies from person to person; Factors such as the effect of general anesthesia and the person’s obesity level affect both the method of surgery and how long it will take. However, these operations are usually completed within a few hours. After the surgery, it is necessary to strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations and follow the recommended diet program for the specified period. If nutritional or vitamin supplements are prescribed, they should be used as recommended, heavy physical activities should be avoided until the doctor gives approval, and light exercises should be continued in accordance with the doctor’s instructions.
And also; It should not be forgotten that the results obtained with the help of stomach reduction methods are not guaranteed for life, and returning to the old unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle should be avoided after the surgery.
Otherwise, there is always the risk of regaining the lost weight.
If you need more information about stomach reduction methods, you can contact Obesity and Metabolic Surgery specialist Assoc. Dr. Hasan Erdem and step into a healthier and higher quality life with the correct diagnosis and treatment process.