StomaphyX - Gastric Bypass Revision

Friday April 3, 2009

StomaphyX is an incision-free procedure that helps qualified gastric bypass patients get back on track with their weight loss.

StomaphyX is a new and innovative revision procedure for individuals who have had Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery and have regained weight due to a stretched stomach pouch or enlarged stomach outlet. Approved by the US FDA in 2007, the StomaphyX procedure reduces the stomach pouch and stomach outlet (stoma) to the original gastric bypass size without traditional surgery or incisions and with minimal recovery time. It is not performed as a primary method of weight loss surgery, but as a type of revisional bariatric surgery for gastric bypass patients.

Why is the StomaphyX procedure performed?

Although gastric bypass surgery is successful in achieving an average of 60 to 80% excess weight loss, some patients start to regain weight a few years after surgery. The stomach pouch and stoma can gradually stretch over time as the body’s digestive system becomes accustomed to the changes and the patient returns to unhealthy eating patterns. The StomaphyX procedure reduces the stomach pouch and stoma to a size similar to the original gastric bypass surgery, once again limiting food intake and slowing the emptying of the stomach into the small intestine. This results in earlier satiety (feeling of fullness) and more weight loss. Without having to undergo additional traditional surgery, StomaphyX helps gastric bypass patients eat less and lose more weight.

How do I know if my stomach pouch or stoma has stretched?

If you and your doctor suspect that your stomach pouch or stoma may have stretched, there is a simple procedure known as an upper endoscopy that can be performed to find out for certain. This quick and easy procedure is performed by a Gastroenterologist (scope doctor) who uses a small scope with a video camera to measure the stomach pouch and stoma. For the procedure you will be lightly sedated, then the doctor will guide the scope down through the mouth and into the stomach pouch to take measurements. Before undergoing the endoscopy procedure, it is important for the Gastroenterologist to talk to your Bariatric Surgeon and find out exactly what measurements need to be taken.

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Jenny, please let us know how you're doing and what procedure they do to help you. You may be able to help someone else here some time!

Good Luck and God Bless!

Jules