Why is this procedure done?
This surgery is done to treat obesity. You will eat less food after your doctor makes your stomach smaller. Then you will lose weight. ‚
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What will the results be?
- Smaller stomach size since a large part of the stomach is removed
- Weight loss
- You will need to limit the amount of food you eat
- Better health
- You may have a better quality of life
- You may have less of the hormones found in the stomach. This may lead to a lower hunger level.
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history, do an exam, and order some tests.
- You will talk with the surgery team and a mental health doctor. You may also meet with a dietitian. This person can help you plan your diet changes before and after surgery.
- Talk to your doctor about all the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Tell your doctor about any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- Your doctor may order a procedure to clear out your stomach and bowel before the procedure.
- You should not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
- Take a bath before the procedure. You may be asked to use special soap or wipes to wash your belly before the surgery to prevent infection.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- When you are asleep, the doctors put a tube in your mouth to help you breathe. They also put another small tube in your nose. This one goes down to your stomach to drain out any food or fluid that might come out during surgery. You will have a tube in your bladder to drain urine.
- Your doctor will make an 8-inch (20 cm) cut in your belly. Your doctor will cut and remove a large part of your stomach. Then, the doctor will use staples to seal the rest of your stomach to create a banana-like shape. Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages.
- This procedure may take 2 hours or more.
- Sometimes, the doctor will remove your gallbladder during this surgery.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will be taken to a Recovery Room after surgery. The staff will take out your breathing tube when you are awake and strong enough to breathe. You may have a sore throat afterwards. You will get drugs through your IV to help with your pain.
- The staff will help you begin to move around in your bed the same day of your surgery. You will sit at the side of the bed. Doing coughing and deep breathing exercises will help keep your lungs clear.
- Use a pillow to hold your belly while you cough to support your cut site.
- The tube in your nose may stay in for a few days. This will keep your belly empty and give your stomach and bowels time to heal. The doctor will take the tube out when your belly is working well and gurgling sounds are heard.
- The tube that is draining your bladder may be left in for a day or two.
- You will be given a clear liquid diet when your doctor allows you to eat. You will be taught about your new diet before going home.
- You may need to stay at the hospital for 5 to 6 days or longer if you have problems.
What drugs may be needed?
- The doctor may order drugs to:
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
- Prevent gallstones
- Lessen stomach acid
- Your doctor will talk to you about the food and mineral supplements that you need after surgery. Chewable vitamins may be easier for you to take and are absorbed more easily. You may need to take them 2 times each day.
- Take drugs by crushing them. If they cannot be crushed, take in liquid form.
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding or blood clots
- Signs of low blood sugar. These include anger, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating.
- Leaks or blocks where the bowels were sewn together
- Throwing up if you eat too much or too fast
- Stitches or staples may loosen
- Gallstones or kidney stones
Where can I learn more?
American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery ‚
http://asmbs.org/benefits-of-bariatric-surgery/ ‚
American Society of Bariatric Physicians ‚
http://asbp.org/siterun_data/frequently_asked_questions/ ‚
Weight Control Information Network ‚
http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/gastric.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚