Gut Microflora

Gut Microflora: Flora refers to something that occurs naturally in a given environment. Gut microflora, therefore, refers to an ecosystem of bacteria that are present in the human gut extending from the mouth to the anus. However, high concentrations of these bacteria are present in the intestines. This vast population of bacteria is made up of at least a 1000 species. When a child is born, the gut is usually sterile. Colonization of gut with these bacteria occurs through feeding and interaction with the environment. The microflora is of immense importance to the human gut. It provides immunity from infection by preventing growth of disease causing organisms. This is achieved through competition for nutrients and space. Oral antibiotics can wipe out the flora giving room for pathologic bacteria to proliferate resulting in disease. It is also important for synthesis and absorption of vitamins such as vitamin B and K. It also aids in the digestion of fiber and is crucial in the enterohepatic circulation of bile, a product of hemoglobin metabolism.

Omentum

The omentum is a membranous double layer of fatty tissue that covers and supports the intestines and organs in the lower abdominal area. The omentum is made up of the greater omentum which is an important storage for fat deposits and the lesser omentum which connects the stomach and intestines to the liver. Milky spots on the greater omentum contain white blood cells that assist immunity by removing cellular debris.

Intestine

The small intestine is a long tube that is approximately 18 feet long (6 meters). The small intestine is called small because the diameter or the width of the tube is much less than the large intestine. The parts of the small intestine include the duodenum, jejunum and the ileum. The duodenum is a segment of intestine between the stomach and the jejunum that is very active in digestion where many different enzymes mix from the stomach, liver, gallbladder and pancreas.

Theoretic Hormonal Impact of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery

Classified as a restrictive procedure, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy involves modification of the gastric fundus, which expresses various hormones associated with hunger and satiety, insulin secretion and energy balance, and is known to induce rates of type 2 diabetes remission comparable to those observed following malabsorbtive procedures such as the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

Sleeve

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive procedure that reduces the size of the stomach but does not alter the gastrointestinal tract or the pylorus. Because the route of ingested food through the gastrointestinal tract is not altered, nutrients are better absorbed. The patient is less dependent on vitamin supplements as the food is absorbed in a more natural manner.

Theoretical Gut Hormone Changes after Gastric Bypass

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery is one of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures, offering significant long-term benefits in terms of weight reduction and remission of obesity-related conditions including type 2 diabetes. These changes are thought to be induced via a combination of mechanisms including reduction in stomach capacity and reduced absorption of fat, in addition to the restrictions placed on consumption of highly osmolar foods such as those high in simple sugars, which can trigger symptoms including nausea, vomiting and dizziness if ingested in excessive quantities. However, these factors alone do not fully account for the success of the procedure. Various hormonal changes have been observed following RYGB surgery, prior to significant weight loss, and it is thought that such endocrine effects could also contribute towards the mechanism of action in RYGB.

Digestion

Digestion is a complex process and the objective of the entire process is to provide energy for sustenance of the human body. The human digestive system consists of the digestive tract and other organs that are necessary for the digestion of food, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of waste.