What Is Stomach Stapling?

Stomach stapling is a type of weight loss surgery given to morbidly obese people who cannot lose weight naturally. The stomach is stapled to shrink its size, forcing patients to eat less food. Stomach stapling is a dangerous, life-altering surgery that requires major lifestyle changes, such as changing the diet to accommodate the new stomach size.

Features

• Stomach stapling involves stapling the upper portion of the stomach to make a small pouch. A small 1/4-inch opening is left at the bottom so that food can slowly empty into the larger portion of the stomach.

Significance

• Stomach stapling is a popular type of weight loss surgery given to morbidly obese people, or people with more than a 40 Body Mass Index (BMI). The stapled stomach can only hold 1 tbsp. of food, drastically reducing the number of calories consumed.

Time Frame

• According to Yahoo Health, people can resume their normal activities 5 weeks after surgery. Expected weight loss is 50% of their total weight within the first year.

Size

• Stomach stapling creates a stomach pouch that is about the size of a fist.

Benefits

• Stomach stapling promotes rapid weight loss. According to a study reported by the Surgical Clinics of North America, up to 75% of a person's total body weight was lost within the first 3 years.

Considerations

• Physicians consider many issues when recommending stomach stapling to patients. A person's age, emotional issues, the length of obesity and success with other weight loss treatments are considered.