Services Weight Loss Procedures - Benefits/Risks comparison - Smart Lipo
The Lap Band procedure
The laparoscopic band procedure, or Lap Band, is a minimally invasive procedure in which a silicone band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach. Connected to the band is an access port, which is placed under the outer layers of skin that allows the band to be inflated or deflated using saline. This creates a smaller pouch, above the stomach, that will reduce the amount of food that can be taken in at one time.
Gastric Bypass
In the gastric bypass procedure, a small stomach pouch is constructed. The remainder of the stomach is separated from the new stomach pouch and stapled closed. This part of the stomach is not removed. The new stomach pouch is then connected to the small intestine, which is divided into a Y-shaped section. This Y-shaped section of the small intestine allows food to bypass the duodenum and the first portion of the jejunum, therefore reducing caloric intake and nutritional absorption. This produces more weight loss than restrictive operations, such as the Lap Band.
Gastric Sleeve
The procedure was originally conceived of in England and has been further developed and utilized in the U.S, Germany and Belgium. The technique is an improvement over earlier gastrectomy procedures which included placement of foreign bodies, and left the excess stomach intact. It was originally used for very high BMI patients (~ 500 lbs.) to try to reduce the overall risk of surgery. It was then followed by a second surgery when the patient had lost enough weight to safely go through a second procedure like the Gastric Bypass.
This procedure works by restricting food intake without any bypass of the intestines or malabsorption. The stomach is restricted by dividing it vertically, creating a small vertical stomach pouch shaped like a banana. The remaining part of the stomach is removed. The portion of the stomach that is removed is thought to be responsible for secreting Ghrelin, the hormone that is responsible for appetite and hunger. By removing this portion of the stomach, the appetite hormone is reduced, usually causing a loss of appetite. The nerves to the stomach remain intact, preserving the functions of the stomach while reducing the volume it can hold.
Benefits include elimination of the portion of the stomach that produces Ghrelin the hormone that stimulates hunger, no dumping syndrome, decreased chances of intestinal obstruction, ulcers, anemia, osteoporosis, and nutritional deficiencies.
Comparison of Sleeve Gastrectomy vs Gastric Bypass and Lap Band
Sleeve Gastroplasty vs. Gastric Bypass:
- Weight loss amount/ speed expected to be similar
- Appetite suppression similar, and thought to be longer lasting
- No dumping. Most foods can be consumed, but in small portions
- Safer: minimizes risk of ulcers, bowel obstructions, leaks at new connections
- Safer for high BMI, or other high risk patients
Sleeve Gastroplasty vs. Lap Band:
- Faster weight loss
- More appetite control
- No fills
- Eliminates potential for erosion or slippage
- Safety: Does involve stapling, therefore leaks and other related complications can occur
Smart Lipo is not intended for patients trying to lose weight, but more for patients trying to contour the body. It is intended for patients who are of a normal to slightly overweight body type, with a BMI no greater than 29.
It is very quick and safe body contouring method utilizing the latest laser technology.
The FDA cleared smart Lipo in November 2006, so with the touch of a button Dr. Hanna can melt away fat and transform your body. Smart Lipo offers less pain, less bruising, and minimal down time, and best of all Smart Lipo is available to almost everybody. If you are in good health, exercises regularly, and in need of sculpting one or more body areas that have responded poorly to diet and exercise, then Smart Lipo may be perfect for you.
Smart Lipo requires making a few small incisions for local anesthesia to be administered to the treatment area. The Smart Lipo laser delivers heat and energy directly to the area, causing fat cells to rupture and drain away as a liquid. Skin around the area tightens, veins coagulate, which decreases bleeding or bruising from the procedure. It is normal for there to be some drainage from the incision sites for up to 24 hours post procedure. After the Smart Lipo procedure, it is recommended that patients wear a compression garment for an extended period of time that varies depending on the area being treated.
Smart Lipo is designed to:
- Permanently eliminate fat cells
- Improve overall body shape
- Tighten the skin
Smart Lipo is not intended for patients trying to lose weight, but more for patients trying to contour the body. It is intended for patients who are of a normal to slightly overweight body type, with a BMI no greater than 29.
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