Revisional bariatric surgery is done to adjust or reverse the original bariatric procedure. About one in 20 patients who’ve undergone bariatric surgery will need a second surgery to address complications or insufficient weight loss.
Who is a Candidate For Revisional Bariatric Surgery?
Patients should speak to their surgeon or primary care provider about persistent physical problems that don’t respond to treatment. This is especially important for chronic digestive issues such as acid reflux.
Our team of surgeons, nurse practitioners, psychologists, dietitians, and physical therapists will closely examine the patient’s physical and mental health to determine whether they’re a candidate for revisional surgery, and which type of surgery.
A patient may qualify for revisional bariatric surgery if they’ve:
- Had one or more complications from a previous bariatric surgery. For example, the patient’s gastric band has slipped or their gastric sleeve is leaking.
- Been unable to lose enough weight.
- Not experienced improvements in a related condition such as Type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea.
- Undergone bariatric surgery, particularly stomach stapling, decades ago.
What to Expect During Surgery
Revisional bariatric surgery may be done endoscopically or with a laparoscope. If the procedure involves a laparoscopy, the surgeon will make small incisions to insert a tiny camera and instruments into the patient’s stomach. Endoscopic surgeries utilize an endoscope that is inserted through the patient’s throat.
Patients who initially underwent gastric sleeve surgery will need endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty to make revisions. The surgeon will make sutures to reduce the size of the stomach. The patient won’t need incisions or have to stay in the hospital since the procedure is done on an outpatient basis.
Patients who initially underwent gastric bypass surgery will need a transoral gastric outlet reduction to repair or reconfigure the connection between the stomach and small intestine.
The Recovery Process
Most patients can start walking three to four hours after surgery. Patients’ daily tasks aren’t restricted after surgery and they’re able to go about life as usual.
For the first three days, patients will be on a liquid diet. After that, they can slowly start adding solid folds until the three month mark, at which point they’ll settle into a long-term diet.
Revisional bariatric surgeries have the same success rates as initial bariatric surgeries. Most patients can expect to lose at least half their excess weight and maintain weight loss.
Potential Risks of Revisional Bariatric Surgery
Patients who undergo revisional bariatric surgery may experience bleeding, leakage and infection within 30 days of the procedure. The long-term risks are similar to those of first-time weight loss surgeries.
In some cases, a laparoscopic operation must become an open surgery if the patient has developed scar tissue. This may increase the risk of surgical complications.
Why Choose Weight Loss Surgery Institute
Our team of physicians, surgeons, and gastroenterologists are highly trained and experienced in their field of medicine. We utilize state-of-the-art equipment and advanced techniques to deliver exceptional results. Every patient receives personalized care and we’re committed to supporting patients every step of the way. Give us a call to schedule an appointment and learn more about revisional bariatric surgery.