Stomach stapling, or gastric stapling, is a surgical procedure performed to help patients manage obesity and facilitate weight loss. The purpose of the surgery is to reduce the size of your stomach, by separating it into two separate individual pouches. Reducing the size of the stomach in this matter limits the amount of food required to fill up the stomach, thus helping to manage overeating.
Process
The procedure is performed under anesthesia. The physician will take a small portion of your stomach that is approximately the size of a golf ball, and separate that from the rest of your stomach. The doctor will then staple that portion of the stomach away from the other portion, so it is divided off. This new stapled off portion of your stomach is where food goes--and it can only hold approximately two tablespoons of food at one time. Thus, you are unable to eat large quantities of food in a single sitting. In this way, stomach stapling is distinct from gastric bypass surgery, which alters the digestive process and potentially causes a nutrient deficiency by interfering with the bodies normal absorption of vitamins and minerals.
Types of Procedures
Two types of procedures involve separating a portion of the stomach, both of which are considered a form of stomach stapling although only one form actually uses staples.
Traditional stomach stapling is called vertical banded gastroplasty. This involves the use of staples, in conjunction with a band. Staples and a band create a pouch to serve as the new stomach, which is open to the rest of the stomach by a dime-sized hole wrapped in mesh or plastic tissue. This procedure results in weight loss up to 45 percent of original body weight within one year.
The second type of stomach stapling procedure is called adjustable gastric banding, and uses a band to separate the pouch from the rest of the stomach instead of stables. The band functions like a tight belt, restricting the size of the stomach, and the band can be adjusted by adding or removing saline from the stomach. As of 2009, this was a relatively new procedure.
Who Is Eligible
Patients with a body mass index greater than 40 can potentially benefit from stomach stapling surgery, or people with a BMI between 35 and 40 who also suffer from an obesity-related condition like heart disease, sleep apnea or type II diabetes. Women who are 80 pounds over their ideal body weight or heavier may be eligible. Men who are 100 pounds over their ideal body weight or heavier may be eligible.
Risks
Risks include traditional risks associated with any surgery, including infection, blood clot, stroke, allergic reaction to anesthesia and infection. Other risks include bleeding ulcers, pneumonia, an increased risk of gallstones, and the potential for obstruction or digestive upset. Staples may break down and/or the band may erode or slip. In rare cases, stomach juices might leak and enter the abdomen, necessitating emergency surgery. Finally, the newly created stomach pouch may become enlarged in some patients
Effectiveness for Weight Loss
Stomach stapling is only effective as a weight loss method if you alter your eating habits. Although the new stomach can hold only tiny amounts of food, and immediately after the surgery overeating will be impossible, the stomach is elastic and can stretch over time. If you persist in eating too much, the pouch will begin to grow and will result in more weight gain.
