Endoscopic Revision
Frequently Asked Questions
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, 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. It becomes larger which would allow more food to be consumed. 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. Moreover, an endoscopic bariatric revision procedure can repair both of these issues. And restore 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 and determine if the pouch has become enlarged. This can determine whether we can correct the issue endoscopically or if other factors are causing weight regain.
Who is a candidate for Endoscopic Bariatric Revision?
Patients who have previously had gastric sleeve surgery or gastric bypass surgery and are experiencing weight regain despite proper adherence to their diet and exercise program are 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. Patients with ulcers, active smokers, or individuals who had complications with their bariatric weight loss surgery may not be candidates for a bariatric revision procedure.
How is the Procedure Performed?
An endoscopic bariatric revision is performed by inserting an endoscope, a small flexible hollow tube with an attached camera, down a sedated patient’s throat. The entire procedure takes place through the endoscope, is non-surgical, and uses no incisions.
A special suturing tool, the Apollo system™, is lowered through the endoscope, and 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, and then they 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. In comparison, a bariatric revision performed endoscopically through the patient’s throat poses less than a 1% probability of a major complication.
Because the procedure does not require surgery, there is no hospital stay necessary. The recovery period is minimal and most patients 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?
Weight loss is usually not as rapid or extensive after a revision versus after the initial bariatric surgery. Patients typically lose around 20% of their total body weight after a bariatric revision.
The results will vary by patient and be largely dependent on how well they are adhering to the necessary lifestyle changes that facilitate weight loss.
The good news is that after an endoscopic bariatric revision, you usually sustain the weight loss long-term, and you have stopped the weight gain.
How do I maintain the weight loss after the Procedure?
If you have gone through bariatric surgery, you were provided with a plan outlining lifestyle changes that are necessary to lose and maintain a healthy weight. These changes include healthy eating habits, physical exercise, proper hydration color adequate sleep, stress management, etc.
To achieve long-term weight loss success, you will need to go back to basics and re-implement any of these changes that we have discontinued.
