Many patients come to us requiring a weight loss surgery revision. This can be for a variety of reasons: disappointing weight loss results, weight regain after an ineffective gastric band surgery from another bariatric surgeon, abdominal issues, etc. Our experienced and dedicated bariatric weight loss team can provide you with a comprehensive medical evaluation and recommend the treatment to help you get back on track and achieve your weight loss goals.
Are you experiencing any one of these symptoms?
Many LAGB procedures require inconvenient and frustrating adjustments and tweaking. Worse yet, many patients come to Total Wellness with complaints of abdominal pain, reflux vomiting, and persistent weight gain. Even more concerning, is the unique ability of the lap band to cause scar tissue around the stomach, leakage of the band or port itself, and infections associated with the port. There are also reports of significant esophageal reflux with dilation of the esophagus. Little wonder that lap band removal rates can be around 50% or more within 10 years of a lap band procedure. In general, Total Wellness discourages the gastric lap band procedure because of these associated risks.
It is not uncommon to regain ~10% of total weight lost 5-10 years following a gastric bypass. If weight gain continues it frequently causes great concern and anxiety. The most common reason for continued weight gain is a dilated gastric pouch and/or anastomosis of the pouch and small intestine. This is often the result of increased hunger over the years with stretching of the pouch and pouch outlet.
This is one of the most common problems we treat and our goal is losing ALL of the regained weight. This is can be performed with a Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) approach with an average hospital stay of 1 day.
This operation was very popular in the 1980s and creates a small stomach pouch that limits food intake. While effective for weight loss, many patients have trouble tolerating substantial solid food because the silastic band causes scar tissue formation. Healthy foods like meat and vegetables often result in vomiting so a natural progression to tolerable foods ensues. This is most commonly creamy soup, chips and candy, and dramatically limits weight loss. In addition, the pouch can open (staple line disruption) and results in a lack of restriction of food.
While these operations were performed through an open incision we can correct these problems by laparoscopic and/or endoscopic techniques. This can be converted to a more effective result by revising the VBG to a gastric sleeve, gastric bypass or duodenal switch. Long-term results are similar to a primary procedure.
When adequate weight loss is not achieved following a sleeve gastrectomy it is most likely because the expected weight loss following surgery is not satisfying to the individual patient. We recommend converting the sleeve to a gastric bypass or duodenal switch, which is relatively easy and effective.
It is true, the perfect, fool-proof weight loss surgery has yet to be invented. If you have undergone bariatric surgery and experienced weight regain for any reason, we understand how frustrating that can be. But know that you have not failed and that you are not alone. Equipped with more than 20 years of experience, our team of surgical experts will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause of your inadequate weight loss (or weight regain) and recommend the treatment or surgery revision that best suits your needs.
“I had a my reversal done 3 weeks ago and they have kept up with me. The surgical team who did the my surgery 9 years ago pushed me in & out with no updates or follow up. Very glad I found a doctor who took me seriously and one who cares about patients. Crystal is a beautiful soul that will do everything possible for you & makes sure day or night she will call to check in with you. I appreciate both of them for their hard work and caring spirit. It’s really a family you come into. Don’t look nowhere else.”
“I live in Austin and went to see Total Wellness because all bariatric surgeons that I contacted in Austin, San Antonio, and Houston refused to see me. I had bariatric surgery 3 years ago in NC and have been experiencing complications for 2 years. I have been unable to get a bariatric surgeon to take my case to correct an internal hernia that has caused multiple hospitalizations and much distress. I explained my situation and all I had been through over the last 2 years. I told them that I could find no bariatric surgeon willing to help me. Total Wellness replied “We will help you”. I almost cried right there. They showed such compassion. The surgeon did perform surgery on me to correct the internal hernia and now I am able to eat without nausea, bloating, or pain. They have changed my life for the better. I will be forever indebted for their compassion and skill in bariatrics surgery. I would highly recommend Total Wellness to anyone seeking bariatric surgery or management of complications. Thank you doctor! Blessings to you!”
