Some people have an impossible time losing weight, and unfortunately, this is not an unusual problem. The human body is very complex and often adapts to any weight loss initiative. This makes it very challenging for an obese individual to lose weight without some type of medical intervention.
Sometimes, these individuals choose to undergo bariatric surgery such as a gastric bypass, to help them become healthier. A gastric bypass is done to make their stomach smaller and also alter their digestive system to prevent their body from absorbing all the calories they ingest. Out of these patients, most lose a significant amount of weight during the first few years, but a large majority of them gain about 30% of this weight back, and about 25% of them gain back all of their lost weight. Another 20% of these patients do not lose the amount of weight they expected.
Today, we are going to talk about a procedure that can be done that does not require surgery and can often correct issues that are preventing weight loss or contributing to weight gain. We will talk about what this procedure involves, how to locate a qualified doctor to perform it, and what this gastric bypass revision success rate looks like.
Why Would Someone Need A Gastric Bypass Revision?
After having bariatric surgery, there are some issues that can occur that can render the procedure ineffective. A gastric bypass helps with weight loss because the patient’s stomach is made much smaller, forcing them to eat significantly less. Additionally, part of the intestine is rerouted, so the calories they do ingest do not travel all the way through the normal route of the digestive tract but bypass a significant portion. The body does not have time to absorb all the calories from the food due to the shorter digestive journey.
Reasons for Weight Regain
Initially, most patients who undergo gastric bypass revision surgery lose a substantial amount of weight (normally the first four to six months), but after some time, many find their weight loss has come to a halt or they actually begin gaining weight. This can happen for many reasons, including:
- Their new, smaller stomach (called a pouch because of its new shape) can become larger, which allows the person to consume more food before they begin to feel full. As they continue to overeat, their pouch can continue to increase in size, starting an ongoing cycle of eating too much and weight gain;
- The connection point (stoma) between the new stomach and the rerouted intestine can become stretched out, allowing more food to pass through it more quickly;
- In rare cases, a new connection can form between the smaller stomach and the larger portion of the stomach that had been bypassed, allowing more food to be eaten before the individual becomes full;
- In some cases, the patient’s gastric bypass success rate has much to do with the surgeon who performed the original procedure. There are times when the initial surgery was not the best choice for the patient or their stomach was not reduced enough, etc;
- The patient is not adhering to the healthy lifestyle habits that are needed to lose or maintain a healthy weight.
Does A Gastric Bypass Revision Mean Another Surgery?
Historically, having corrections made to a previous gastric bypass surgery required an additional surgical procedure, but this is no longer the case. These days, we have the benefit of endoscopic gastric bypass revision, which offers a very high success rate. This means that the procedure does not require any incisions or time spent in the hospital.
How Does Endoscopic Bypass Revision Work?
The revision procedure is completed from inside the patient’s body, so there is no need for incisions. Using an endoscope equipped with a small camera and a light, the stomach area is accessed by way of the esophagus. Using live video being fed to a monitor by the camera, the doctor uses a special suturing device to tighten up the size of the stoma and make the stomach pouch smaller if needed. The procedure only takes about an hour, and after a short observation period, you are free to go home and rest. Most patients resume their normal routine within 3 to 5 days.
How Do The Gastric Bypass Revision Success Rates Compare: Surgery vs Endoscopy
Laparoscopic surgical bypass revision is considered a technically complex procedure, and the risk factors are higher than those of the initial surgery. Endoscopic revision carries a significantly lower risk factor and offers a much shorter recovery time.
A study that included almost 300 patients reported that the average weight loss after surgical revision was between 23% and 39% after about 4 ½ years. Another study that was conducted with patients who had endoscopic revisions to gastric bypass reported that most patients lost around 33 pounds, and after a year, almost 90% of the patients had not gained any additional weight. The study went on to report that around 77% were able to maintain their lower weight even after 5 years.
Like any weight loss initiative, the gastric bypass revision success rate is largely dependent on the patient’s lifestyle choices after the procedure. They must continue to practice healthy eating habits and engage in an adequate amount of physical activity.
What Can I Do If I Am Putting On Weight After Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Contact Simmons MD Advanced Weight Loss Solutions in Miami, FL, and set up a consultation before things become worse. Dr. Okeefe Simmons is an expert in obesity management, and he and his team can get you back on track to reach your weight loss goals.
Dr. Okeefe performs endoscopic revisions to prior bariatric surgeries to correct the issues that are leading to weight gain. In addition, this team of experts can help you with dietary issues, nutrition education, and more to empower you to make the best lifestyle choices to improve your health. Make your appointment today and find out more about the endoscopic procedures available at Simmons MD Advanced Weight Loss Solutions and the success rates of gastric bypass revisions that do not require surgery.
