Yeh, Caz is right.
I found a great website with pictures, I'll see if I can find the link;
http://ozobesitysurgery-info.webstarts.com/my_surgery.html
Found it!
Great diagram of the old op, and here is a link to what I have had done (the standard today)
http://www.gastricbypasssanfrancisco.com/vertical-gastrectomy-sleeve-san-francisco-ca.htm
the staples THEN were used to divide the tummy, and over time they broke down and caused all sorts of issues.
Today, the staples is only used a a wound closure device, IE, they could stitch it closed but staples are more effective. When you have healed you have 100% intact tummy, that once healed will not come apart, like if you have your appendix out, they often staple your skin on the outside, once it is healed all that is left is a scar, but your skin will not open up again. The staples are designed to close off the tummy for 7-10 days, then your body healing does the rest.
the current op, has been used on stomach cancer patients effectively for years. Once you have healed, you have healed (unless of course, you get some other issue in your tummy, (like cancer etc)
Its' very safe, easy, and low risk these days.
I am a nurse and researched for 18month before i did it and I would not have done it if it was too risky.
Janelou
