Laparoscopy effective tool in weight-loss treatment

Laparoscopy is where surgeons perform abdominal operations through smaller incisions, using specialized instruments and magnification cameras, in order to optimize patient outcomes and comfort. Gallbladder surgery was one of the first laparoscopic procedures developed because of the skills involved are relatively basic to learn. Whereas gallbladder surgery is routine among most practicing surgeons, other procedures are much more advanced and require specialized training.

Our surgeons have taken the time to develop the special expertise necessary offer minimally invasive surgery to our patients. The field has become far too complex to learn during the course of most general surgery residency programs. In fact, the field of advanced laparoscopic surgery is now recognized as a specialty to itself – with one-year training programs to teach surgeons the special skills.

Why perform surgery laparoscopically?

Study after study has documented the benefits of laparoscopic surgery. Most obviously, post-operative pain is significantly decreased. These incisions cut very little muscle and thus cause much less pain than the traditional incisions used for surgery. This not only translates into improved patient comfort, but there is a decreased risk of developing pneumonia and other lung problems because breathing and coughing is so much easier without significant pain.

Because laparoscopic cameras magnifying the images on a large TV screen, we can see the intestines and internal organs much better than through a traditional incision with our unassisted eyes. This allows for an exactness in operating that cannot easily be replicated with the unaided eye. This creates a difference in incisions between the open and laparoscopic approach to weight loss surgery.

Minimally invasive surgery techniques have cut recovery times for many operations from weeks (or months) to days. The more “cutting” done by the surgeon, the higher the stress response the body undergoes. With a higher stress response there is an increase in heart and kidney problems as well as a decrease in immune function. Also, with smaller wounds, there is a much smaller chance to develop significant infections. And with less trauma there is also a decreased formation of internal scar tissue, or adhesions. Of course, cosmetically, the incisions after laparoscopy are often barely visible after they have completely healed.

The N.E.W. Program offers surgical and has non-surgical programs to help you restore control over your lifestyle and better manage your weight.  As with any bariatric procedure, lifestyle modifications are paramount to achieving weight loss success after a revision and our comprehensive aftercare program will set you in the right direction.

If you think that you may benefit from one of these procedures, or would like to learn more about them, please call our office at (949) 722-7662 with any questions or to set up an appointment with our surgeons to see if you are a candidate.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  The N.E.W. Program will work with you to get you where you’ve always wanted to be – on the road to permanent weight loss.