Help – I am gaining weight again!

Imagine that you have had a gastric bypass procedure and are a few years down the road. You have lost a lot of weight, feel healthy and are able to do the things you enjoy. Then one day, you realize you are gaining weight again – something that comes as quite a shock to most people.

Weight gain remains a problem

Weight gain following bariatric surgery is usually the result of eating and exercise habits slowly changing over time. People who gain weight after having their stomach reduced may also have a less pronounced feeling of being full (satiety). Satiety after gastric bypass procedures is partly determined by the new connection (anastomosis) between the stomach and intestine. If this connection increases in size, it will take you longer to feel full and it becomes easier to overeat.

If you have gained a significant amount of weight and are unable to lose it again by making lifestyle changes, having a MiniMIZER Ring fitted may provide the solution. Your surgeon can help you decide whether it is the right choice for you.

What is a MiniMizer Ring?

The MiniMIZER Ring is a certified surgical implant. The MiniMIZER Ring is made of medical-grade silicone, a material that is not rejected by the body. The surgeon fits the ring loosely around the reduced stomach during keyhole surgery. The non-adjustable ring is positioned around the outside of the upper part of the stomach. The ring is secured with a few stitches so that it cannot move out of place.

How does the MiniMizer Ring work?

Because the MiniMIZER Ring is positioned around the reduced stomach, it has the effect of slowing the passage of food. You will notice that you feel full more quickly and stop eating sooner.  In this way, the ring helps you change your eating habits. The MiniMIZER Ring can sometimes also offer a solution for patients experiencing severe symptoms of dumping syndrome.

Results of the placement of a MiniMizer Ring during gastric bypass revision surgery

No further weight gain

Potential weight loss

Lasting results

Studies show that 75%(8) of people do not experience any further weight gain after being fitted with a MiniMIZER Ring(8). However, this does require them to maintain healthy, regular eating and exercise habits.

Although most people do not lose more weight than with their primary gastric bypass, some people fitted with a MiniMIZER Ring do lose a substantial amount of weight again.

People who achieved substantial weight loss following their primary gastric bypass procedure will benefit the most from the MiniMIZER Ring. Permanently lower weight is the result.

No further weight gain

Studies show that 75%(8) of people do not experience any further weight gain after being fitted with a MiniMIZER Ring(8). However, this does require them to maintain healthy, regular eating and exercise habits.

Potential weight loss

Although most people do not lose more weight than with their primary gastric bypass, some people fitted with a MiniMIZER Ring do lose a substantial amount of weight again.

Lasting results

People who achieved substantial weight loss following their primary gastric bypass procedure will benefit the most from the MiniMIZER Ring. Permanently lower weight is the result.

Potential side effects of the MiniMizer Ring

As with any surgical procedure, complications may occur in surgeries involving a MiniMIZER Ring.

  • Your stomach may still be a little swollen shortly after the procedure. This may constrict the passageway into the stomach slightly, which can cause regurgitation. In the days following the procedure, the swelling will go down by itself. If the regurgitation continues even after you have changed your eating habits and diet, it may be possible to loosen the MiniMIZER Ring or even to remove it. However, this does require keyhole surgery.
  • One extremely rare complication is band erosion. Band erosion means that the MiniMIZER Ring starts to push its way into the stomach wall as a result of friction. In cases of complete band erosion (migration), the ring actually ends up inside the stomach. This usually goes unnoticed; patients just find they are able to eat more. If band erosion occurs, the gastroenterologist will remove the MiniMIZER Ring by means of a gastroscopy.

References:

8. Banding the Pouch with a Non-adjustable Ring as Revisional Procedure in Patients with Insufficient Results After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Short-term Outcomes of a Multicenter Cohort Study. Abel Boerboom & Edo Aarts & Volker Lange & Andreas Plamper & Karl Rheinwalt & Katja Linke & Ralph Peterli & Frits Berends & Eric Hazebroek

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