The term bariatric comes from the Greek words "baros" and "iatros," which mean weight and medical treatment, respectively. Bariatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with weight loss and weight-loss surgery. The laparoscopic approach to bariatric surgery is a minimally invasive approach that offers a faster recovery time, less pain and lower risk of complications.
During Surgery
During a laparoscopic bariatric surgery, the surgeon makes four to six small incisions in your abdomen. Each incision is 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. These incisions allow your surgeon access to your stomach. Your abdomen will then be inflated with carbon dioxide to expand it, giving your surgeon a better view of your anatomy. During the surgery, your surgeon will insert a thin, lighted tube called a laparoscope, as well as various surgical instruments and a camera, through the small incisions. Each tool is approximately the width of a pencil. The surgeon uses these tools to complete your laparoscopic bariatric surgery.
Types of Surgery
Several types of bariatric surgery can be performed laparoscopically. A Roux-en-Y gastric bypass involves using a laparoscopic to form a small pouch in the upper part of the stomach and bypassing the remainder of the stomach. A laparoscopic adjustable gastric band bypass involves placing an inflatable band around the stomach to create a small pouch just under the esophagus. A laparoscopic duodenal switch involves reshaping the stomach and bypassing a large portion of the small intestine to prevent the absorption of food. A laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy involves physically removing approximately 60 percent of the stomach.
The type of laparoscopic surgery your surgeon recommends depends on several factors, including your weight, age and overall health.
After Surgery
Most patients leave the hospital one to three days after bariatric laparoscopic surgery, according to Cleveland Clinic. You should not return to work for two to four weeks, depending on how you are healing after your surgery. Your doctor and dietitian will provide you with a specific nutrition plan that you must follow to ensure success and avoid complications.
Generally, patients who have undergone bariatric laparoscopic surgery must return to their doctor for regular check-ups during the first year. During these check-ups, your doctor will assess your physical health as well as your mental and emotional health.
Considerations
Although a laparoscopic surgery has a lower risk of complications, it is still a surgery, so it does carry some risk. Possible short-term complications of laparoscopic bariatric surgery include pneumonia, blood clots and stomach leakage. Possible long-term complications include ulcers, hernias, narrowing of the stomach opening and malnutrition.
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