Bariatric Surgery Revision: Options for Those Who Need It

Having bariatric surgery can provide long-term weight loss and improve overall health for people struggling with obesity. However, in some cases, patients may experience complications or inadequate weight loss, and the initial surgery may need revision. A revision in bariatric surgery can help you achieve your weight loss goals and improve your quality of life.

In this article, we will discuss the various options for bariatric surgery revision and the factors to consider before deciding to undergo a revision procedure. We will also explore the revision surgery process, the risks and benefits of bariatric surgery revision, and the importance of seeking expert advice. 

Why Bariatric Surgery Revision Is Needed

Although bariatric surgery is highly effective in reducing weight, some patients may need revision surgery due to several reasons. Here are the most common reasons a patient might be considering revision surgery:

• Weight regain: It is essential to maintain a certain lifestyle for weight loss surgery success. Inability to do so might lead to weight regain, leading up to revision surgery. This can also be caused due to hormonal changes your body goes through post-surgery. 

• Complications: There can be complications after bariatric surgery, including surgical complications, gastrointestinal problems, and malnutrition.

• Inadequate weight loss: There are times when patients may not lose the desired amount of weight or may plateau, causing them to consider revision surgery.

• Malabsorption issues: Surgical procedures like the duodenal switch or gastric bypass may cause nutritional deficiency as a result of the malabsorption of nutrients.

It is important to note that not all bariatric surgery patients will require a revision procedure, and a revision procedure should be considered and evaluated carefully by a bariatric surgeon before undergoing it.

Bariatric Surgery Revision Options

If you are not satisfied with the results of your weight loss surgery or are facing complications, there are several revision options that you can consider. Here are the most common ones:

• Gastric Band to Sleeve Gastrectomy Revision: The purpose of this revision is to remove the gastric band from the stomach and convert it into a sleeve shape, allowing the patient to lose weight more effectively.

• Gastric Band to Gastric Bypass Revision: In this procedure, the gastric band is removed and the stomach is converted into a small pouch connected to the small intestine. In addition to weight loss, this revision will address gastrointestinal problems associated with gastric bands.

• Sleeve Gastrectomy to Gastric Bypass Revision: During this revision, the sleeve gastrectomy will be converted into a gastric bypass procedure, which can help with weight loss and address gastrointestinal issues.

• Gastric Bypass to Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch Revision: By converting the gastric bypass to a biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch, this revision can result in additional weight loss and reduce malabsorption.

It is important to note that a bariatric surgeon should conduct a thorough evaluation and consideration before performing revision surgery. There are many revision options, each with its own benefits and risks, and the best revision option for each patient will depend on his or her individual circumstances and medical history.

The Bariatric Surgery Revision Process

In many ways, bariatric surgery revision is similar to the initial surgery procedure, with some variations depending on the type of revision procedure.

Your surgeon will start with an initial evaluation where your medical history will be reviewed and a physical examination will be performed. Once the available options are discussed and a decision is made, your surgeon will suggest making certain lifestyle changes. This may include a pre-operative diet, exercise, and medication regimen. You may also need to undergo additional tests, such as blood tests, imaging studies, or endoscopy.

Before the surgery, you will be given anesthesia, just like it happened in the initial surgery. A revision surgery's actual procedure will vary depending on what type is being performed. Then, according to the revision option chosen, the original surgery will be removed or modified.

After the revision surgery, you are likely to stay in the hospital for a period of time. You will also be provided with a specific post-operative diet and exercise regimen. Make sure to attend regular follow-up appointments with your bariatric surgeon for quick recovery.

Risks and Benefits of Bariatric Surgery Revision

As with any surgery, there are risks and benefits associated with bariatric surgery revision. 

Risks

Like any other surgical procedure, revision bariatric surgery patients might experience some kind of infection or bleeding. This risk is higher compared to the initial conditions and can be exacerbated in patients who have underlying health conditions.

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There is also a risk of developing a hernia, which occurs when an organ protrudes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that surrounds the area. This condition may also require a separate surgery to be treated.

Benefits

Revisional bariatric surgery can help patients lose additional weight, improving their health and quality of life. The procedure can address complications caused by bariatric surgery, including malabsorption, reflux, and slippage.

Revision surgery can improve mobility, reduce joint pain, and increase physical activity by reducing weight. 

If you're contemplating a revision weight loss surgery, it's crucial to seek out the services of qualified professionals who can provide safe and effective treatment. BASS Bariatric Surgery Center boasts top-notch bariatric surgeons who will carefully evaluate your situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment for you. Don't take any risks with your health, entrust your care to the experts at BASS Bariatric Surgery Center. For more information, contact the BASS Bariatric Surgery Center today at 925-281-3711 for a consultation.