Bypass Distalization

After a previous gastric bypass, some clients experience weight regain – or they never met the weight loss goal they originally set out for. This does NOT make you a failure!

We are excited to announce that we now have a secondary procedure to offer clients who need additional assistance achieving their desired weight loss. At Blossom, our surgeons approach the surgery as follows: access the abdomen laparoscopically, count the existing Roux, BilioPancreatic, and common channel limb lengths, then resite the JJ anastomosis distally by lengthening the BP limb while maintaining safe common channel and TALL (Total Alimentary Limb Length) measurements. This results in much more malabsorption and increased weight loss.

For many years, the bypass was approached more or less as a cookie cutter operation! In other words, the amount of intestines bypassed was standardized regardless of the patient’s height, weight, length of small bowel, etc. We now know through decades of research that it doesn’t have to be this way. A male who is 6’2” tall shouldn’t have the same bypass as a female who is 5’0”. Someone with a BMI of 39 shouldn’t have the same bypass as someone with a BMI of 56. The amount of intestines “skipped” can be far greater than what a traditional “standard” gastric bypass entails. As a result, there are many individuals who have had a gastric bypass who would benefit from an additional “boost” in the amount of intestines skipped, with the results being significant additional weight loss through a strategic bypass revision.

A bypass distalization is a revision weight loss surgery for clients who have a current gastric bypass.

This procedure is performed by adjusting the connection point at which the intestines meet. This will change the absorption rate for all nutrients you ingest through food, vitamins, and supplements.

Weight loss is achieved through additional malabsorption, which results in very good long-term weight loss maintenance. The distalization procedure offers the benefits of the gastric bypass, but with greater strength, including the following:

• Approximately 70% of excess weight loss
• Improvement/resolution in all major weight-related co-morbidities
• Provides predictable weight loss with great long-term success
• Minimal side effects and risks typical of the duodenal switch

• Prior Gastric Bypass, ideally performed robotic or laparoscopic (for those individuals with a history of an open bypass, the previous operative report is very helpful)
• BMI of 30 or greater
• Non-Smoker
• No dependence on NSAIDS for pain/inflammation
• Generally Healthy
• Appropriate for Outpatient Surgery
• Ability to take all required supplements after surgery, and complete required lab work four times a year for the first year, twice a year during year two, and then annually thereafter

For patients seeking expert care, our team at Blossom Bariatrics includes some of the best weight loss surgeons in Las Vegas. Our refined approach reflects the advancements in revision bariatric surgery and ensures personalized treatment that aligns with your unique body metrics, because at our Las Vegas bariatrics center, we believe that every patient deserves a custom solution for lasting weight loss.