Courier News
July 8,2008
By Dr. AJAY GOYAL, CORRESPONDENT
Question
I have previously undergone gastric bypass surgery but have gained back a lot
of the weight that I originally lost. Now I am experiencing side effects such
as nausea and heartburn. Is there any other procedure that can help me lose weight
again and minimize these side effects without a long recovery time?
Answer
There is a new type of bariatric surgery called StomaphyX specifically for those
who already have undergone more traditional bariatric surgery but have gained
back their weight and are experiencing side effects.
The new procedure is endoscopic and is minimally invasive, has a shorter recovery
period and leads to no scarring and very little pain. It also is much safer than
other forms of bariatric surgery because no incisions are made. Therefore, the
chance of infection or other surgery risks is drastically reduced.
In traditional bariatric surgery, a pouch is created within the stomach to reduce
the size of the stomach, decreasing the amount of food the patient can eat. However,
if lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise are not maintained, the stomach
pouch gradually can expand, and patient will gain weight.
During StomaphyX surgery, a camera and the StomaphyX device are inserted through
the mouth using an endoscope. The StomaphyX device takes the stomach tissue and
creates folds called plications. These folds are sewn together to recreate the
smaller stomach pouch that the patient had after the original surgery.
Following the procedure, the patient must follow a strict diet and exercise regimen
to lose weight and keep it off. On average, patients lose only about 30 pounds
during the first year after StomaphyX surgery; diet and exercise must be maintained
in order to lose additional weight. Postoperation, patients can start regular
activity right after the procedure — and can go back to work the next day — but
must be on a liquid diet for a few weeks.
For those considering bariatric surgery in general, the first thing to do is
to consult a doctor about whether or not you would be a good candidate. In order
to qualify, you must have a Body Mass Index of at least 40 (equivalent to about
100 pounds overweight) and have tried and failed to lose weight, or have a Body
Mass Index of 35 to 40 and suffer from obesity-related health problems, such
as diabetes or sleep apnea.
You also must be motivated to change your lifestyle and commit to a lifelong
diet and exercise program. Bariatric surgery can help obtain much better weight-loss
results than diet and exercise only, but it's not a quick fix for weight problems.
Ajay Goyal, MD, is the director of bariatric surgery at Overlook Hospital
in Summit. For more information about Stomaphyx or Gastric Bypass surgery visit
www.NJBariatricCenter.com.
