Nordbariatric Lithuania

A gastric bypass is one of the techniques used in bariatric surgery and is done not only to kick-start  the weight loss process, but also to prevent or treat health problems that are associated with excess weight. Even though obesity has been prevalent for ages, only recently has it been recognised as a disease of multifactorial origin. The first attempts to treat obesity for the sole purpose of weight loss began in 1950s, when jejunoileal bypasses were done to induce a state of malabsorption (a condition when nutrient absorption is impaired). Despite reaching desired weight loss results, the procedure had too many post–operative complications to be deemed successful. The gastric bypass was developed years later, in the 1960s. The surgical technique went through numerous modifications in order to decrease the number of complications and is now one of the most frequently performed bariatric surgeries worldwide.

Weight loss surgery is currently known as the most effective overweight and obesity management strategy. Moreover, it has been recently acclaimed as having long-lasting positive effects on patient’s metabolic properties and general well-being. Gastric plication is a relatively new and promising restrictive technique which involves folding the stomach into itself at the greater curvature in order to reduce gastric volume. It is a minimally invasive procedure since no gastric or intestinal resection is performed. Rapid and prolonged results are achieved by preserving the durable plication folds with one or two rows of nonabsorbable sutures or staples.

Going through a relapse is a possibility, even though not a common one, for patients who have gone through bariatric (also known as weight loss) surgery. Such cases require weight loss revision surgery to help patients either lose weight again or fix any other associated issues. There are multiple factors that may contribute to one putting the weight back on, including changes in attitudes and habits, anatomical reasons (such as one’s stomach stretching out) or specific instances of the bariatric technique losing its effect over time. Additionally, it may simply be a case of the patient’s body not responding well to the treatment. Nonetheless, sometimes revision surgery is performed due to medical complications rather than putting the weight back on: the formation of ulcers, scar tissue or problems with absorbing nutrients.

A hernia is a protrusion of an organ through the weakest part of the muscles or connective tissue of the abdominal wall. Hernias are provoked by a combination of factors – increased intra-abdominal pressure and the weakness of the abdominal wall muscles or fascia. Therefore, the main risk factors associated with hernias are obesity, pregnancy, chronic cough or constipation, connective tissue disorders, as well as older age, smoking, family history of hernia and physical exertion.