Most surgeons when asked this question by their patients will assure the patient that the RNY gastric bypass or duodenal switch (like earlier surgeries i.e. the stomach stapling - gastroplasty or the intestinal bypass) is reversible. However those seeking reversal sometimes found out differently. One four month post op patient whose body reacted poorly to the surgery rendering her bedfast, sought reversal from several surgeons.

The Fobi Pouch is a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with a band. (see diagram 2). The scientific name for The Fobi Pouch is the Vertically Transected, Silastic Ring Banded, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass with the Gastrostomy and the Gastrostomy Site Marker (TSRBVGB). See similar questions...

vomiting, watery stools, difficulty breathing without a respirator, back pain, numbness, nerve and muscle injuries, difficulty passing urine, outlet obstruction, drainage from wound, wound dehiscence, bed ulcers and bowel obstruction. See similar questions...

Yes, there are more than two hundred and fifty (250) surgeons who have visited and observed Dr. Fobi perform surgery and have learned how to do the FOBI POUCH GASTRIC BYPASS. There are others who perform similar surgeries, but not exactly as described by Dr. Fobi and are having equally good results. You may call the Center for referral. Yes. See similar questions...

Gastric bypass surgery is considered a permanent operation. However, it can be reversed for medical reasons only if you suffered from severe malnutrition which is extremely rare. None of your organs are removed from the body so theoretically the surgery can be reversed. Dr. Garber has never had to reverse any patient with this surgery. See similar questions...

The pouch normally stretches over time. Patients are able to lose weight, keep it off, and if they need to diet again they find it much easier than before. If a patient is non-compliant with the postoperative diet, it is unlikely that Dr. Ali would revise the pouch. See similar questions...

Take a container of low fat cottage cheese. Measure out four-ounce portions, and eat slowly. Once you feel full you have reached an approximate pouch size. Most find their pouch has become about 5 to 9 oz after six months. See similar questions...

Many studies done by experienced laparoscopic bariatric surgeons have demonstrated laparoscopic gastric bypass to be safe. A study done by Dr. Oliak (see Description of Surgeries section) demonstrated the importance of surgeon experience. He found complication rates to be significantly higher during the "learning curve" for laparoscopic gastric bypass. Complication rates stabilize at a low rate after a surgeon completes approximately 75 laparoscopic gastric bypass operations. See similar questions...

Laparoscopic gastric bypass is accomplished with 5 small incisions rather than one long incision. A camera is placed through one of the incisions and long instruments through the others. The operation is performed while watching a video screen. The actual operation on the stomach and intestine is the same with both approaches. See similar questions...

Laparoscopic gastric bypass results in a shorter hospital stay, less pain, less scarring, and a quicker return to usual activities. Complications such as wound infections and wound hernias are nearly eliminated with the laparoscopic approach. The risk for serious complications (such as leak) is similar with both laparoscopic and open gastric bypass. See similar questions...

It is 90% effective with greater than 50% excess weight loss that is maintained for more than five (5) years of follow up. See similar questions...

The unused part of the stomach remains in place. Although not used, its ability to function remains intact. See similar questions...

Gastric bypass surgery provides an effective tool to limit the amount of food eaten and to change how food calories are absorbed. It must be understood that the surgery is not magic: it works with you, not for you. By working consistantly to make appropriate food choices and behavioral changes, a successful, long-term health impact is possible. See similar questions...

The LAP-BAND® System is a silicone band that is placed around the stomach, creating a small upper stomach pouch that prevents a patient from eating excessively. It is only a restrictive device (not a malabsorptive one), and can be adjusted and/or removed, if necessary. The procedure to place the band is done laparoscopically on an outpatient basis, so our patients go home the same day as surgery in most cases. See similar questions...

ObesityCare.com's mission is to provide information about severe obesity and the treatment there of. Our service is informational only. To find a doctor who can do your gastric bypass surgery or lap band procedure, we recommend using ObesityDirectory.com. It is a nation wide directory (United States) and all of the bariatric surgeons listed are members of the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). See similar questions...

New evaluation appointments are usually booked 4-8 months in advance. Once a patient is seen, if the surgeon and patient agree it is appropriate, the operation can usually be scheduled within 8 weeks. Why so long? There is more need for weight loss surgery than there are qualified bariatric surgeons.One of the obstacles at CCS has been working with our patients to get insurance approval. See similar questions...

BPD/DS is a combination restrictive and malabsorptive procedure that reduces the size of the stomach by 70%. The pouch is still a bit larger than with other procedures that use restriction. By connecting the pouch to the lower part of the small intestine, absorption of calories and nutrients is greatly reduced. Back to Top See similar questions...

There is no rerouting of the intestines, and no new connections need to be made. This makes it safer, easier, and faster to perform. The lack of rerouting eliminates the late risk of bowel obstruction from internal hernia that comes with the gastric bypas operation. Finally, the lack of rerouting also reduces the risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. See similar questions...

The main disadvantage is that we don't have long-term data to document that weight loss will be maintained. The sleeve may stretch out, resulting in weight regain. Another disadvantage is that the operation is not reversible, in that part of the stomach is removed and thrown away. It can never be replaced. (On the other hand, there should be no reason to want to put it back). See similar questions...