If you have had gastric bypass surgery in the past but are still overweight or obese, there could be a few reasons for this issue. Today, we are going to talk about some of the issues that can contribute to weight gain after having bariatric surgery, and we will answer the common question, “Can you have a revision after gastric bypass?”

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How Common Is Weight Gain After Bariatric Surgery?

Statistics have shown that most people lose a significant amount of weight (approximately 60% of their excess weight) after undergoing gastric bypass surgery. However, approximately 20% of these individuals do not achieve the weight loss results they had hoped for, and most who initially lost weight will gradually see about 30% of the weight they lost come back. According to UCLA Health, around 25% of these patients will regain all of their lost weight by the 10-year mark.

How Come Some People Don’t Reach Their Goal Weight After Gastric Bypass?

Gastric bypass surgery can be an effective way for an individual to lose weight; however, this is not true for everyone.

• Sometimes complications from the surgery can arise that hinder the individual's progress, or the initial surgery was not the best choice for that patient;
• Changes can take place inside the body that reduce the amount of restriction the initial surgery puts into place. The smaller stomach can become larger allowing you to eat more food and the connection from the stomach pouch to the intestine can widen and allow food to pass through more quickly;
• Your body’s metabolism may adapt to the changes made to your digestive system that slow down or stop your weight loss progress, including dumping hormones into your system that increase your appetite;
• Losing weight and keeping it off after bariatric surgery requires the individual to practice healthy eating habits, get an adequate amount of exercise, and make changes in their lifestyle that promote maintaining a healthy weight. If the individual does not actively pursue living a healthy lifestyle, their weight loss after gastric sleeve surgery may be underwhelming, or they may even gain weight;
• Unresolved psychological issues, depression, and excessive stress can contribute to emotional eating and weight gain after gastric bypass.

My Bariatric Surgery Seems To Not Be Effective Anymore, Can You Have A Revision After A Gastric Bypass?

Yes, you can have a revision after gastric bypass surgery to stop weight gain, and there are three different options to consider.

Revisional Surgery

This involves a surgeon performing another operation to re-adjust the restrictions that were put in place during the initial surgery. This is technically challenging and not advised due to the increased risk of complications;

Conversion Surgery

This involves changing your gastric bypass to a more restrictive option, such as a duodenal switch, which requires undergoing another surgical procedure;

Endoscopic Revision (Suture ReSculpt)

This is a non-surgical procedure that is done to correct issues that have reduced the effectiveness of your gastric sleeve surgery.

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What Type Of Doctor Would Perform A Endoscopic Gastric Bypass Revision?

If you need a revision after gastric bypass surgery, you need to seek out a board-certified gastroenterologist who has been extensively trained in endoscopic bariatric revision procedures, like Dr. Steven Batash. This procedure is carried out from inside your body, so it does not involve incisions, surgery, a hospital stay, or a long recovery time.

The gastric bypass revision procedure is performed endoscopically, which means that it is done through the mouth without any external incisions. The steps of a typical Suture ReSculpt revision for gastric bypass surgery usually include:

1. The patient is usually placed under general anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable throughout the procedure;
2. After the patient is sedated, the doctor uses a flexible hose-like tool containing a light and a camera (an endoscope) to go down the patient’s esophagus to gain access to their stomach;
3. Then, while being guided by the camera, the doctor lowers a special suturing device down the endoscope and strategically places stitches that reduce the size of the stomach pouch;
4. Next, the doctor places sutures that will reduce the size of the opening of the stoma (between the stomach pouch and the small intestine). This will keep the food in the stomach longer and prolong the digestive process, so patients will stay feeling full for a longer time;
5. The procedure normally takes about twenty to thirty minutes, and once it is completed, the endoscope is removed from the patient's throat and they are brought out of sedation;
6. After spending a few hours under observation, they are released to go home to recover.

After Suture ReSculpt, How Much Weight Can I Lose?

The revision will stop you from gaining any more weight and enable you to begin losing weight again. Statistics show that the average weight loss achieved by individuals after a gastric bypass revision is usually between ten and fifteen percent of their total body weight, but we have seen numbers that exceed this. Your weight loss results will depend greatly on how diligent you are in making healthy lifestyle choices that will promote weight loss.

Where Can I Find Out More About Suture ReSculpt Revision to Gastric Bypass?

Now that you know that you can have a revision to gastric bypass without having additional surgery, you should set up a consultation with Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center. We can answer all your questions and explain the procedure in greater detail.

We understand that “life happens,” and we also understand the complexities of obesity and want to help you get your weight loss back on track. The Suture Reculpt revision procedure can give you a second chance at reaching your weight loss goals. Set up an appointment today to speak with one of our experts about how a gastric bypass revision can help you.

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