Weight Loss Procedure FAQs | Bariatric Endoscopy Tampa Bay

Weight Loss Procedures FAQs

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Do you have questions about endoscopic revision after gastric bypass and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty? Bariatric Endoscopy Tampa Bay has the answers you need. If you have any other questions, please call us.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)

What is endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG)?

ESG is a minimally invasive weight loss procedure that reduces the size of the stomach by placing a series of stitches in the stomach.

How is ESG performed?

ESG is carried out under general anesthesia. A flexible lighted instrument (gastroscope) is placed into the mouth and advanced to the stomach, and using a special device a series of stitches is placed in the stomach. The stitches restrict the size of the stomach creating a sleeve.

Who is a suitable candidate for ESG?

A person with a BMI of 30 or more, who has tried unsuccessfully to lose weight, would be a candidate for this procedure. ESG, along with proper diet and exercise, will help persons lose weight. Please use our BMI calculator to figure out your BMI.

How is ESG different from a surgical sleeve gastrectomy?

ESG and surgical sleeve gastrectomy both restrict the capacity of the stomach and lead to weight loss. In a sleeve gastrectomy, a portion of the stomach is cut out and removed permanently. In ESG the stomach is not removed so there is less risk of complications, less pain, no scar, faster return to work and daily activities, and less cost because it is performed at an ambulatory surgery center as opposed to a hospital.

What are the risks of ESG?

The risks would include those associated with general anesthesia. In addition, there is a small risk of bleeding and infection. Overall, however, the risks are much less than with the alternative procedure, surgical sleeve gastrectomy.

How soon can I return to work after ESG?

You should plan to take at least four days off after the procedure to recover.

How much weight can I expect to lose after ESG?

The amount of weight loss depends on how closely you follow the diet and exercise program.

Is there any pain associated with ESG?

You will have some discomfort for a few days after the procedure. However, compared to the surgical sleeve gastrectomy, the pain is much less. We will provide you with pain medication as needed to keep you comfortable.

Can I become pregnant after ESG?

ESG is not recommended if you are pregnant. We would recommend waiting for a year after the procedure before becoming pregnant.

ESG After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

What is ESG after gastric sleeve surgery?

ESG after gastric sleeve surgery is a minimally invasive weight loss procedure for people who have had a gastric sleeve surgery and have regained significant weight.

The procedure is carried out under general anesthesia. A flexible lighted instrument (gastroscope) is placed into the mouth and advanced to the stomach, and using a special device, stitches are placed in the stomach to make it smaller.

What causes regain of weight after gastric sleeve surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery creates a smaller stomach which creates a full feeling after eating small amounts of food and results in weight loss. Over time, the stomach can stretch and enlarge, resulting in loss of the sensation of fullness and renewed weight gain.

Who is a suitable candidate for ESG after gastric sleeve surgery?

A person who has had a gastric sleeve surgery and initially lost significant weight and now finds they have regained a substantial part of that weight would be a good candidate for this procedure.

What are the advantages of ESG after gastric sleeve surgery compared to a surgical repair?

Persons who have had gastric sleeve surgery will have adhesions from that procedure. Compared to surgical repair, ESG has less risk of complications, less pain, no scar, faster return to work and daily activities, and less cost because it is performed at an ambulatory surgery center as opposed to a hospital.

What are the risks of ESG after gastric sleeve surgery?

The risks would include those associated with general anesthesia. In addition, there is a small risk of bleeding and infection. Overall, however, the risks are much less than with the alternative procedure, a surgical repair.

How soon can I return to work after ESG after gastric sleeve surgery?

You should plan to take at least 4 days off after the procedure to recover.

Is there any pain associated with ESG after gastric sleeve surgery?

You will have some discomfort for a few days after the procedure. However, compared to the surgical repair, the pain is much less. We will provide you with pain medication as needed to keep you comfortable.

Endoscopic Revision After Gastric Bypass

What is Endoscopic Revision after Gastric Bypass?

Endoscopic Revision is a minimally invasive weight loss procedure for people who have had a Gastric Bypass and have regained significant weight. The procedure is carried out under general anesthesia. A flexible lighted instrument (gastroscope) is placed into the mouth and advanced to the stomach, and using a special device, stitches are placed in the gastric pouch and/or in the opening between the pouch and the small intestine, restoring the anatomy to its condition after the Gastric Bypass.

What causes regain of weight after Gastric Bypass?

Gastric Bypass surgery creates a small stomach pouch, connected by a small opening to the small intestine. This creates a full feeling after eating small amounts of food and results in weight loss. Over time, the gastric pouch and the opening can stretch resulting in loss of the sensation of fullness and renewed weight gain.

Who is a suitable candidate for Endoscopic Revision after Gastric Bypass?

A person who has had a Gastric Bypass and initially lost significant weight, and now finds they have regained a substantial part of that weight, would be a good candidate for this procedure.

What are the advantages of Endoscopic Revision compared to a surgical repair?

Persons who have had Gastric Bypass surgery will have adhesions from that procedure. Compared to surgical repair, Endoscopic Revision has less risk of complications, less pain, no scar, faster return to work and daily activities, and less cost because it is performed at an ambulatory surgery center as opposed to a hospital.

What are the risks of Endoscopic Revision?

The risks would include those associated with general anesthesia. In addition, there is a small risk of bleeding and infection. Overall however, the risks are much less than with the alternative procedure, a surgical repair.

How soon can I return to work after Endoscopic Revision?

You should plan to take at least 3 days off after the procedure to recover.

How much weight can I expect to lose after Endoscopic Revision?

The amount of weight loss depends on how closely you follow the diet and exercise program.

Is there any pain associated with Endoscopic Revision

You will have some discomfort for a few days after the procedure. However, compared to the surgical repair, the pain is much less. We will provide you with pain medication as needed to keep you comfortable.

ORBERA Gastric Weight Loss Balloon

What is ORBERA?

The ORBERA Managed Weight Loss System is a non-surgical procedure that helps patients lose weight and maintain weight loss. The procedure involves placement of a soft silicone rubber balloon into the stomach. The balloon takes up  about one third of the space in the stomach, and can create a feeling of fullness so the patient consumes a smaller quantity of food, leading to weight loss.  The balloon remains in the stomach for six months, and then is removed.

Who would be a good candidate for the ORBERA balloon?

The ORBERA balloon is a good option for patients age 22 and over, who are moderately overweight, with a BMI of 30-40,  and have been unable to lose weight with diet and exercise alone. The ORBERA balloon is intended to work with diet, exercise, and behavior modification to achieve and maintain weight loss.

How is the ORBERA balloon inserted?

The ORBERA balloon is placed on an outpatient basis at a surgery center. The procedure is performed under IV Anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes.  Using a lighted instrument, the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum are inspected. The deflated balloon is placed through the mouth into the stomach and the balloon is filled with saline (salt water) solution until it is the size of a grapefruit. The balloon is removed in six months in the same way.

What are the side effects of the ORBERA balloon?

Most patients will experience nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain after placement of the ORBERA balloon. In most cases, the symptoms will be mild to moderate. Symptoms of GERD (heartburn) occur in about one third of cases. These symptoms usually resolve after one week, but can last up to 2 weeks. We will prescribe medications  to help with these symptoms.

How much weight can I expect to lose with the ORBERA balloon?

The average person loses three times more weight than with diet and exercise alone. The average weight loss is about 22 lbs., but following the diet and exercise program closely can result in greater weight loss.

What if I get pregnant?

We will not place the ORBERA balloon if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the next six months. If you become pregnant after the balloon is placed, it will need to be removed after consultation with your obstetrician.