Stomaphyx is a new revisional bariatric procedure for gastric bypass patients who have regained some of the weight they lost following their initial gastric bypass surgery. Gastric bypass entails radically reducing the size of the stomach pouch so as to limit food intake and thus trigger extreme and rapid weight loss. While the majority of gastric bypass patients successfully lose their excess weight, in some cases the stomach pouch gradually stretches out over time, which can either halt continuing weight loss or result in some weight gain. Stomaphyx provides a safe, non-invasive treatment option for those who want to continue experiencing the many physical and psychological benefits that they initially enjoyed as a result of gastric bypass.

Although Stomaphyx entails the use of anesthesia, it is performed endoscopically and requires no incisions. The use of an endoscope is not only less invasive than traditional or laparascopic surgery, but it also reduces infection risk and minimizes the pain association with the procedure. As a result, recovery time is minimal and the procedure is generally performed on an out-patient basis.

The StomaphyX device is an endoluminal fastener made of sterile polypropylene which is guided through the mouth, down the esophagus and into the stomach using an endoscope. Once the device has been placed inside the stomach pouch, suction is used to pull a section of stomach tissue into an opening in the device's surface. The Stomaphyx device then presses and folds the tissue, creating a "pleat." This pleating procedure is repeated as many times as necessary to return the patient's stomach pouch to the size it was immediately after gastric bypass. The pleats are fastened together using small blue staples. Once a sufficient number of pleats have been created and fastened to achieve the desired stomach pouch size, the stoma, the opening between from the stomach pouch and small intestine is sutured together to slow the rate of the transfer of stomach contents into the intestinal tract. Those who undergo Stomaphyx can generally return to work or other regular activities the next day. A liquid diet is required for two weeks after the procedure to ensure that the bonds in the pleats set firmly. Because of its non-invasive nature, Stomaphyx does not preclude or complicate the performance of any bariatric procedures that may be necessary in the future.

By reducing the stomach pouch to its original size post-gastric-bypass, Stomaphyx limits the amount of food that the patient can take in at any one time, preventing overeating and stimulating weight loss. In addition, the suturing in the stoma, which forces the food to remain in the stomach pouch for a longer period before moving into the small intestine, creates a feeling of "fullness" or satiety that inhibits the individual from continuing to eat after the pouch has been filled.