Reflective Journal-5

Reflective Journal Unit 5 This week’s video topic in unit 5 covers weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery. The intern discusses two different procedures as an approach to weight loss. The three main things I learned from this video lecture. First, there are differences between the two gastric procedures, which was one of the issues new to me. Gastric banding segments the stomach into a small pouch by banding the stomach at the top allowing food to move slowly to the bottom part of the stomach. The size of the opening can be adjusted and the procedure is reversible. The second procedure discussed is the gastric sleeve. The gastric sleeve however is not a reversible procedure. A small surgical pouch is made in the stomach, thus removing the remaining portion of the stomach. Both procedures creates a pouch causes a decrease in appetite and reduces food intake. Also, nutrient absorption is decreased as well. Second, the surgical candidate should consider both the health issues and long term outcome as to the best fit for bariatric surgery. People who are severely obese, have obesity related health problems, and have tried unsuccessfully to most other weight loss methods would be likely to consider bariatric surgery. This area is what I liked most about the presentation. There are positive long term outcomes besides weight loss, such as, decreased risk of diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, cardiovascular mortality, and gastro-esophageal reflux disease. What I did not expect was the variety of complications that can occur post-op. I noted only a few, such as, internal bleeding, spread of infection, and organ damage from leakage of gastric content into the abdomen. One thing I learned from the video that I will be able to use in the future, is the intern emphasized, nutritional intake is important both prior to and after surgery. Prior to surgery, Zinc and Vitamin C for wound healing, along with Vitamin K for blood clotting. Whereas afterwards, protein is top priority to promote wound healing. Finally, the necessary dietary progression for success is a critical component. Starting from a clear liquid diet, then progressing the a high protein full liquids diet, followed by introducing puree foods which will lead to a soft diet leading into a regular diet, all over a 8 weeks period. During the diet progression, I took as a key factor, was to focus on high protein diet while avoiding foods high in fat, sugar and fiber. In addition to understanding the nutritional value of food continue to exercise no matter which weight loss surgery is chosen.