Gastric Bypass Revision

Who is gastric bypass revision for?

Gastric bypass revision is suited for patients who previously underwent gastric bypass surgery (Roux-en-Y Gastric bypass or RYGB), but who are now experiencing weight regain.

How does gastric bypass revision work?

Gastric bypass revision is an outpatient endoscopic procedure. It is not a surgery. There are no incisions or scars. The endoscopist advances an endoscope (a tube with a camera and a light on its tip) through the mouth to the gastric pouch. The scope is equipped with a suturing device that allows us to suture the gastrojejunal anastomosis as well as the gastric pouch to restore them to their original size. This is performed under sedation. It does not require admission to the hospital. After the procedure, the patient will start feeling full after smaller meals again, which helps with weight loss.

How long does an endoscopic gastric bypass revision procedure take?

Endoscopic gastric bypass revision is a quick outpatient procedure. The procedure itself takes less than half an hour. You will need to present to the outpatient surgery center an hour before your procedure time. After your bypass revision, you will be monitored in the recovery area for 1-2 hours. Then you are discharged home.

What is the recovery after bypass revision?

After your endoscopic gastric bypass revision, you will recover in the surgery center for an hour or two, then you will go home. You will need someone to drive you home, as you are not allowed to drive for 24 hours after receiving anesthesia. The first day or two after your bypass revision, you may experience some nausea or pain in your upper abdomen. You will be provided with medications to treat these symptoms if they occur. We usually recommend that you take 2-3 days off work after undergoing endoscopic gastric bypass revision. After that, you can go back to work and to your usual routine. We may recommend against heavy lifting and some strenuous activities in the first-week post-revision.

What is the diet like after endoscopic gastric bypass revision?

You will progressively advance your diet after your revision, just like you did after your initial gastric bypass surgery. You will be on a clear liquid diet for two days then gradually advance to a full liquid diet for a couple of weeks then to a soft diet for a couple of weeks then you can go back to a regular consistency diet.

What are the benefits of endoscopic gastric bypass revision?

Compared to surgical gastric bypass revision, endoscopic bypass revision carries many advantages. Most patients do not want to undergo another surgery. Endoscopic revision is ideal for these patients as it is performed through the mouth without surgery, incisions, or scars. The endoscopic gastric bypass revision also carries much less risk than the surgical bypass revision. It involves suturing only without cutting the stomach or the bowel. The procedure is performed as an outpatient and does not require hospital admission, and the recovery is very fast. The endoscopic revision restores the potential for weight loss from the initial gastric bypass surgery.

What evaluation is required before the gastric bypass revision procedure?

We may recommend that you undergo an upper endoscopy (EGD) to determine whether you would benefit from a gastric bypass revision. We would need to evaluate your gastric pouch and outlet. If dilation has occurred with time, it can be corrected endoscopically with suturing during an endoscopic bypass revision. We may also require some basic blood tests before you undergo anesthesia. Additional tests or clearance may be required if you have certain medical conditions.

What are the risks of the gastric bypass revision procedure?

Endoscopic gastric bypass revision is a very safe procedure. After the procedure, you may experience some upper abdominal pain and nausea. These are usually controlled with medications and they resolved in 1-2 days. More serious possible complications such as bleeding, leak, or infection are extremely rare.

How do you keep the weight off after gastric bypass revision?

After your revision, we work with you to adopt a healthy diet and an active and healthy lifestyle. Long-term weight loss results require work, dedication, and commitment. Our team is there for you to help you through the process and to provide you with the tools you need for success. Our comprehensive after-care program includes medical and nutrition support and monitoring. Our bariatric dietitians meet with you every month and they are always available to answer any questions you may have.

Get your weight loss journey back on track with gastric bypass revision!

Gaining weight back after having lost it with much effort and hard work after gastric bypass surgery can be disheartening and very frustrating. If you experienced weight regain after your gastric bypass surgery, call us at: (301) 288-1319 to schedule a consultation.