StomaphyXTM - Gastric Bypass Revision
Fort Worth LAP-BAND is pleased announced the addition of a new non-invasive procedure for Gastric Bypass Revision called StomaphyX.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is StomaphyX?
- Why is the StomaphyX procedure performed?
- How do I know if my stomach pouch or stoma has stretched?
- How is the StomaphyX procedure performed?
- How long does the StomaphyX procedure take?
- How long is the recovery period?
- What Will I Eat After the Procedure?
- Benefits of the StomaphyX procedure.
- What does it cost?
- How do I schedule an appointment?
1. What is StomaphyX?
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 and/or enlarged stomach outlet (stoma).
Approved by the US FDA in 2007, the StomaphyX procedure reduces the stomach pouch 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 revision for gastric bypass patients who have regained weight.
2. 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.
Stoma too large:
If a patient has a stoma that has stretched food will not stay in the stomach very long. It will pass out of the stomach and into the small intestine rather quickly resulting in feeling hungry soon after a meal.
Pouch too large:
If a patient has a pouch that is too large or has stretched over time more food is required before feeling full. This increased intake leads to weight re-gain over time.
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.
3. How do I know if my stomach pouch or stoma has stretched?
If you and Dr. Smith 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 is a quick and easy procedure and 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.
4. How is the StomaphyX procedure performed?
First, you will be put under anesthesia. Then, Dr. Smith will gently guide the StomaphyX device through the mouth and into the stomach pouch inside a long, thin tube and perform the procedure using endoscopic visualization (miniature light source and camera). Once inside the stomach pouch, sections of stomach tissue are suctioned into a small opening in the StomaphyX device, which creates folds of tissue that, resemble a pleat. The folds of tissue are then fastened together with little blue staples to hold them in place, making the pouch smaller. The amount of folds required depends on a patient's anatomy; typically 10 to 20 folds are required.
5. How long does the StomaphyX procedure take?
The StomaphyX procedure takes approximately 20-60 minutes, depending on the size of the stomach pouch and how much revision needs to be done. Most time the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis.
6. How long is the recovery period?
The recovery period is very minimal following the StomaphyX procedure. Most patients feel well enough to return to normal work activities after 1-2 days, however, heavy lifting is not advisable for one month afterward. Dr. Smith will discuss your individual activities beforehand, so we can customize the program to be safe and best fit you needs.
As the procedure is done through the mouth, there are no incisions and no visible scars.
7. What Will I Eat After the Procedure?
In order to allow the pleats to bond to each other, patients are put on a liquid diet for two weeks, we recommend the
Bariatric Advantage Meal Replacement. You will then progress to, mushy protein, easing into soft, and high protein foods thereafter.
8. Benefits of the StomaphyX procedure include:
Overall risks are much lower than with traditional surgery
Does not require abdominal or internal surgical incisions
Since there are no visible incisions, there are no visible scars
Reduces risk of infection from surgical incisions
Reduces size of stomach pouch, which limits food intake
Reduces enlarged stoma, which slows passage of food into the small intestine and causes earlier satiety
Can usually be performed on an outpatient basis
Quick recovery (1 to 2 days vs. two to eight weeks for revision surgery)
Virtually painless
Adjustable and/or revisable
Preserves future treatment options
Adaptable to different anatomies
Lower mortality rate (1 in 10,000) than with gastric bypass revision (1 in 100)
9. What does it cost?
The cash price for StomaphyX all inclusive (surgeon, facility, anesthesia, StomaphyX device) is $9,500.
StomaphyX is not covered by insurance.
Financing options are available.
Your initial endoscopy to determine if you are a candidate may be covered under your insurance plan.
10. How do I schedule an appointment?
Call 817-850-1100