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Patients Who Regain Weight After Their Initial Weight Loss Surgery May Now Have Options

Have you started to regain weight after initial success from weight loss surgery? Over time, the stomach pouch or the outlet that connects it to the small intestine can stretch. As a result, patients can eat more food before feeling full. We now offer a safe and effective endoscopic procedure that can reduce your enlarged pouch and outlet to their original post-operative proportions.

Why Would I Regain Weight After Weight Loss Surgery?

Several studies suggest that some patients regain significant weight after weight loss surgery. A possible cause includes gradual stretching of the stomach pouch or outlet. During weight loss surgery the stomach and outlet are made very small to reduce a patient’s capacity allowing an earlier sensation of fullness. When the stomach pouch and/or outlet gradually stretch, it takes longer for the patient to feel full. As a result, patients may begin to regain weight.

Gastric Outlet and Pouch Revision

We now offer qualified patients an endoscopic procedure that can reduce the volume of an enlarged pouch and the diameter of the outlet. This procedure is performed using a small flexible endoscope and specialized devices that allow sutures to be placed through the endoscope. The scope and suturing devices are inserted through the mouth into the stomach pouch the same way as a standard endoscope. Sutures are then placed around the outlet to help reduce the diameter, typically from the size of a silver dollar to the size of a dime. The same technique may then be used to place additional sutures in the stomach pouch to help reduce its volume capacity.

What are the side effects?

Having a revision through endoscopic procedure decreases the patient’s risks of surgical complications. Patients often experience less pain, recover faster, and have no abdominal scarring. Typically, patients go home the same day, but each patient’s discharge will vary based on their physician’s recommendation.

Will it be covered by my insurance?

Insurance coverage depends upon the patient’s insurance plan. Please contact one of our Patient Advocates for more information.

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