Gastric bypass w/GB removal in 2003 now suffering from complications. Is revision possible? What can be done?

Question

Is there a gastric bypass revision surgery that will eliminate the blind loop? My gastroenterologist and my PCP believe it is causation for my SIBO small intestine bacterial overgrowth because it is difficult to clean out the blind loop. Since the SIBO has led to SERIOUS systemic diseases I would thusly love to cure the SIBO and unravel the mess it has caused. Are there other solutions that I am unaware of? Is there someplace I can turn to for more information and subject matter expertise? TY!

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

Blind loop created by your gastric bypass may be contributing to your SIBO and its subsequent health complications. The blind loop, a segment of the intestine that's bypassed and not properly cleared, can indeed cause bacterial overgrowth, and in some cases, can lead to significant issues like the ones you're describing.
In terms of gastric bypass revision surgery to address this, there are a few potential options. One option could be reversing part of the bypass, which would aim to remove or bypass the blind loop. However, this is a complex procedure and is not always the best solution for every patient. Another option could be revising the surgery to a Duodenal Switch, which involves a more extensive bypass procedure. This revision might help by improving the flow of bile and digestive enzymes, which in turn could assist in managing the SIBO, though it also carries additional risks, such as malabsorption.
While surgery may be part of the solution, managing the SIBO itself with antibiotics like rifaximin is another key strategy. Prokinetics, which improve motility, and dietary changes such as a low FODMAP diet, can also be helpful. However, these treatments address the bacterial overgrowth rather than directly fixing the structural issues caused by the bypass.

Jorge Green, MD · Answer

There is an operation called like that: gastric bypass revision, and indeed a ¨candy cane¨ or blind  loop can predispose you to get SIBO; the operation must be done by a skilled surgeon on bypass revisions, ask your surgeon for a preop assessment...  the operation its intended to trim that blind loop and on the right hands its pretty simple...

Gastric bypass w/GB removal in 2003 now suffering from complications. Is revision possible? What can be done?

Answers (2)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gastric Bypass

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Gastric bypass w/GB removal in 2003 now suffering from complications. Is revision possible? What can be done?

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gastric Bypass

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.