Gastric banding is a type of bariatric surgery in which an adjustable band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch that limits food intake. It is one of the least invasive forms of weight-loss surgery but has fallen out of favor due to its lower success rates compared to other procedures like the sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y bypass. The band can be adjusted or removed, making it more flexible than other surgeries.

The pre-surgical diet is designed to reduce the size of the liver and optimize the patient’s health before bariatric surgery. Typically high in protein and low in carbohydrates, it often involves consuming liquid protein shakes and limited solid foods for 1 to 2 weeks before surgery. This diet reduces surgical risks and prepares the body for the changes it will undergo post-surgery.

Metastatic gastric cancer occurs when stomach cancer spreads to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, or lymph nodes. Treatment for metastatic gastric cancer often involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies, as surgery is typically not an option for advanced-stage cancers.

RNY reversal is the process of undoing the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Although rare, reversals are sometimes necessary due to complications such as malnutrition, severe dumping syndrome, or other medical issues.

In medical terms, GI stands for Gastrointestinal, referring to the digestive system, which includes the stomach, intestines, and other associated organs. GI disorders encompass a wide range of conditions that affect digestion, including gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and gastrointestinal cancers.

A tumor on the abdomen could be benign or malignant and may arise from various organs like the stomach, intestines, or pancreas. Symptoms include swelling, pain, and digestive issues. Diagnostic imaging and biopsies are used to determine the nature of the tumor, and treatment depends on the diagnosis.

Diet tablets, or weight-loss pills, are medications or supplements designed to help individuals lose weight by suppressing appetite, boosting metabolism, or blocking fat absorption. Common prescription options include Orlistat and Phentermine, while over-the-counter products often include herbal supplements. However, these should be used under medical supervision, as many come with side effects or limited effectiveness without lifestyle changes.

Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, while Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects the intestines and causes chronic discomfort without inflammation. While both conditions involve digestive issues, gastritis typically causes nausea and upper abdominal pain, whereas IBS presents with bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.

Gastric RNY, or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, remains one of the most effective surgical options for treating obesity. By reducing the size of the stomach and bypassing a portion of the intestines, patients experience a significant reduction in hunger and an inability to eat large meals. Gastric RNY can lead to rapid weight loss and improvement or resolution of obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension.

The lap band and sleeve gastrectomy are two different bariatric surgeries. The lap band is adjustable and reversible, involving the placement of a band around the upper stomach. The sleeve, on the other hand, is permanent and involves the removal of part of the stomach. Sleeve gastrectomy tends to offer more substantial long-term weight loss, but the lap band has fewer immediate risks.

The cost of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery varies based on location, healthcare provider, and whether the patient has insurance coverage. In the U.S., the cost ranges from $20,000 to $30,000, depending on the hospital and specific circumstances. In countries with public healthcare systems, such as the UK or Canada, the surgery may be covered, though waiting times could be long. Many insurance companies in the U.S. cover bariatric surgery if it’s deemed medically necessary, but patients must meet specific... +More

After undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RNY), the diet is critical for long-term success and recovery. Immediately after surgery, patients are required to follow a liquid diet to allow their stomachs to heal. Over time, they transition from liquids to soft foods, and eventually solid foods. This post-op diet is high in protein to support muscle retention and healing, low in fats and sugars, and carefully portioned to avoid stretching the stomach pouch. Lifelong dietary changes are necessary to avoid... +More

The gastric balloon is a non-surgical weight-loss treatment available in the UK. A soft silicone balloon is inserted into the stomach and inflated, reducing the amount of food the stomach can hold. This procedure helps patients feel fuller faster and is often used as a temporary measure to kickstart weight loss.

The stomach sleeve diet follows the same principles as the gastric sleeve diet. After the surgery, patients must follow a structured eating plan, starting with liquids and progressing to solid foods over several weeks. The diet focuses on small, high-protein meals to support weight loss and ensure adequate nutrition.

A gastric specialist is a doctor who focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the stomach and digestive system. This includes conditions like ulcers, gastritis, acid reflux, and cancers of the stomach. These specialists may perform endoscopies and recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery.

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a non-surgical, minimally invasive weight-loss procedure where the stomach is reduced in size using sutures placed through an endoscope. Unlike surgical sleeve gastrectomy, ESG does not involve any incisions and has a quicker recovery time. It is recommended for individuals who want to avoid surgery but need help with significant weight loss.

Stress gastritis occurs due to physical or emotional stress, which increases stomach acid production and irritates the stomach lining. It’s common in critically ill patients or those undergoing significant emotional distress. Treatment includes stress management, acid-reducing medications, and dietary adjustments.

Roux-en-Y bypass is another term for the RNY procedure. This surgery helps patients lose weight by creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting it directly to the small intestine, bypassing a portion of the digestive tract. The result is a reduced ability to absorb calories and nutrients. Patients who undergo RNY experience rapid weight loss, but it also requires them to make permanent changes to their diet and lifestyle to avoid complications like dumping syndrome, where food moves too quickly from the... +More

The cost of a stomach band (also known as a gastric band) surgery varies depending on the country and clinic. In the UK, private clinics charge between £5,000 and £8,000 for the procedure. In the U.S., the cost can range from $9,000 to $15,000. Insurance may cover the surgery if it’s deemed medically necessary.

VSG recovery time (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) typically ranges from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the individual’s health, adherence to recovery protocols, and the complexity of the surgery. Most patients return to normal activities within a few weeks, though full recovery, including dietary adjustment and weight loss stabilization, can take months.

A sleeve diet plan involves gradual dietary progression after surgery, focusing on protein-rich foods, minimal carbohydrates, and small portion sizes. Long-term, patients must continue eating nutrient-dense, low-calorie meals to maintain weight loss. Key components include lean meats, vegetables, whole grains, and avoiding sugary and fatty foods.

When comparing lap band and gastric bypass, the key difference lies in their mechanisms. The lap band restricts food intake by placing an adjustable band around the stomach, while gastric bypass both restricts food intake and alters digestion by rerouting part of the intestines. Gastric bypass typically leads to more rapid and significant weight loss but carries a higher risk of complications.

After a stomach bypass (gastric bypass) surgery, patients must follow a strict diet to promote healing and sustain weight loss. This typically starts with liquids, then progresses to pureed and soft foods, eventually allowing small, nutrient-dense meals. Long-term dietary adjustments are crucial to prevent complications like dumping syndrome.

An abdominal tumor is any abnormal growth located within the abdomen. Tumors can originate from the stomach, intestines, liver, or other abdominal organs. They can be benign or malignant, and treatment often involves surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, depending on the tumor's size, type, and stage.