An overview of stomach stapling
What is Stomach Stapling?
Stomach stapling is a form of gastric banding in which staples are used to reduce the overall size of the stomach. Stomach stapling both reduces the size of the stomach to diminish food intake and the ability of the gastrointestinal system to absorb nutrients from food. The new, smaller stomach is connected to the large intestines, bypassing the small intestines in the digestion process.
Shriking the Size of the Stomach
Stomach stapling reduces the size of the stomach from that of a melon to just a few tablespoons. Because the size of the stomach is so small following this procedure, the patient can no longer consume as much food. Even though the size of the new stomach pouch will expand over time, this pouch will remain considerably smaller that a regular-sized stomach. As food intake is restricted, the patient will begin to lose weight.
Absorbtion of Nutrients
Stomach stapling also works to produce weight loss by reducing the amount of food that is absorbed by the body. Because the procedure bypasses the small intestine, the food is passed directly to the large intestine during the digestion process. This reduces the amount of nutrients--including fat and sugar--that are absorbed by the body. As the amount of nutrients is reduced, the result will be weight loss.
Risks and Drawbacks
Even though stomach stapling carries with it the potential to improve health, there are important risks, including possible death. Estimates are that as many as 1 in 200 patients that have the surgery will die as a result of complications. In addition, once the surgery is complete, patients may experience long-term health complications that affect daily life. Because of the smaller size of the stomach and the body's inability to absorb nutrients, the patient may suffer from dietary deficiencies that can cause metabolic changes and affect the patient's overall quality of life. In spite of these complications, many experts argue that the risks of obesity far outweigh the risks of the procedure.
