Endoscopic Bariatric Revision FAQs
What is Endoscopic Bariatric Revision?
Endoscopic Bariatric Revision is a non-surgical procedure. The doctors perform endoscopically to restore the weight loss potential of previous bariatric surgery.
Why Would a Person Need an Endoscopic Revision?
When an individual is having Gastric Sleeve or Gastric Bypass Surgery. Moreover, the surgeon alters the size of the stomach into a small pouch. Furthermore, it limits the amount of food they can ingest in one meal. Over time, the size of the pouch can stretch out. The stomach enlarges, allowing for the consumption of more food. Also, the point where the stomach and small intestine connect can widen and create less restriction. Hence, decreases the amount of time the patient feels full.
Therefore, a patient can experience one or both of these issues which can cause them to gain weight. Additionally, an endoscopic bariatric revision procedure can repair both of these issues. Eventually, restoring the “restrictive” environment to stop the weight gain and facilitate additional weight loss.
Is There a Way to Tell if an Endoscopic Revision Will Stop My Weight Regain?
A test, either an upper endoscopy or a barium test. It can help assess the connection point between the intestines and the stomach. In addition to this, determines if the pouch has become enlarged. To further determine whether to correct the issue endoscopically or if other factors are causing weight regain.
Who is a Candidate for Endoscopic Bariatric Revision?
Individuals who have previously had gastric sleeve surgery or gastric bypass surgery. Particularly, experiencing weight regain despite proper adherence to their diet and exercise program. Evidently, this makes them the most frequent candidates for bariatric revision procedures.
Who is not a Candidate for the Procedure?
Individuals who have regained weight for reasons other than the widening or stretching out of the stomach or outlet connection. Especially, those having ulcers, and active smokers. Besides this, complications with their bariatric weight loss surgery may not be candidates for a bariatric revision procedure.
How Does the Procedure Perform?
An endoscopic bariatric revision performed by inserting an endoscope. A small flexible hollow tube with an attached camera, down a sedated patient’s throat. However, the entire procedure takes place through the endoscope. Equally important, the procedure is non-surgical and uses no incisions.
A special suturing tool, the Apollo System™ lowered through the endoscope. Then the medical team uses it to strategically place sutures to tighten and repair the areas that have stretched out.
How Long Does an Endoscopic Revision Procedure Take?
The procedure typically takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on the extent of repairs needed. After the procedure, the medical staff places patients in a short period of recovery. Later release them to go home.
How does an Endoscopic Revision Compare to a Surgical Revision?
Because of the complex nature of a surgical revision. There is a 30% risk of major complications. Comparatively, a bariatric revision performed endoscopically through the patient’s throat. However, the procedure poses less than a 1% probability of a major complication. As the procedure does not require surgery. Thus, there is no hospital stay necessary. The recovery period is minimal and most individuals can return to work in two to three days.
What are the Side Effects and Long-Term Risks of Endoscopic Revision?
The short-term side effects include mild nausea, upper abdominal pain or pressure, and a general feeling of indigestion. The risk for major complications is less than 1% and includes bleeding, stomach injury, and infection.
What is the Weight Loss Potential of an Endoscopic Revision?
Certainly, weight loss is usually not as rapid or extensive after a revision versus after the initial bariatric surgery. Generally, individuals lose around 20% of their total body weight after a bariatric revision.
Indeed, the results will vary by individual. Similarly, the recovery largely depends on how well they adhere to the necessary lifestyle. In reality, these changes will facilitate weight loss. Finally, the good news is that after an endoscopic bariatric revision. Individuals usually sustain the weight loss long-term and stop the weight gain.
How do I Maintain the Weight Loss After the Procedure?
On the other hand, if individuals have gone through bariatric surgery. Even so, they provided with a plan outlining lifestyle changes. These are necessary to lose and maintain a healthy weight. Including healthy eating habits, physical exercise, proper hydration color adequate sleep, and stress management. Although, to achieve long-term weight loss success. Individuals will need to go back to basics and re-implement any of these changes that we have discontinued.
