Revision Bariatric Surgery

A second surgery can be the next step in reaching your weight loss goals.

When you’ve recovered from bariatric surgery and are adjusting to your new life, the last thing you want to hear is that a second surgery may be needed.

But in some cases, a second surgery, or “revision” will help you get the results you want from your weight loss surgery and improve your health conditions. 

A bariatric surgery revision is a procedure to modify or correct a previous weight loss surgery. There are several reasons this may occur. 

  • Weight recurrence: If you regain weight after your primary surgery, a revision can help with additional weight loss.
  • Inadequate weight loss: If you do not achieve adequate weight loss with your primary procedure.
  • Complications: Ulcers, hernias, strictures and malnutrition may result in a revision surgery.
  • Other health conditions: The success of your primary surgery may be affected by your other medical conditions. 

Complications may prompt the need for bariatric revision depending on your primary procedure.

  • Gastric Band: If there are problems with the band, it can be removed and potentially converted to another procedure.
  • Gastric Sleeve: A gastric sleeve may need to be converted to another procedure due to inadequate weight loss or reflux.
  • Gastric Bypass: A gastric bypass may need to be revised to another procedure due to complications or weight regain.

What to Expect with Revision Bariatric Surgery

A bariatric surgery revision is a procedure to modify or correct a previous weight loss surgery. There are several reasons this may occur. 

  • Weight recurrence: If you regain weight after your primary surgery, a revision can help with additional weight loss.
  • Inadequate weight loss: If you do not achieve adequate weight loss with your primary procedure.
  • Complications: Ulcers, hernias, strictures and malnutrition may result in a revision surgery.
  • Other health conditions: The success of your primary surgery may be affected by your other medical conditions. 

Complications may prompt the need for bariatric revision depending on your primary procedure.

  • Gastric Band: If there are problems with the band, it can be removed and potentially converted to another procedure.
  • Gastric Sleeve: A gastric sleeve may need to be converted to another procedure due to inadequate weight loss or reflux.
  • Gastric Bypass: A gastric bypass may need to be revised to another procedure due to complications or weight regain.

Before revision surgery you will undergo an extensive evaluation by our bariatric team that aims to identify the underlying reason for the problems you are experiencing. Additionally, our team will review your bariatric coverage to see if this procedure is a covered benefit.

Preparing for Revision Bariatric Surgery

Before revision surgery you will undergo an extensive evaluation by our bariatric team that aims to identify the underlying reason for the problems you are experiencing. Additionally, our team will review your bariatric coverage to see if this procedure is a covered benefit.

After your revisional surgery, you’ll need to adjust once again to a change in diet and lifestyle, but there is help.

  • Registered dietitians can teach you about meal planning and vitamin and mineral supplements.
  • Exercise Physiologists can help you adjust to your body’s changes and keep active.
  • Bariatric support groups connect you with others who are on the same journey.

After Your Surgery

After your revisional surgery, you’ll need to adjust once again to a change in diet and lifestyle, but there is help.

  • Registered dietitians can teach you about meal planning and vitamin and mineral supplements.
  • Exercise Physiologists can help you adjust to your body’s changes and keep active.
  • Bariatric support groups connect you with others who are on the same journey.
  • How do I need to prepare for my surgery?
  • What does the recovery process look like?
  • When can I return to normal activities?
  • How much weight should I expect to lose after bariatric surgery?
  • When will I start seeing weight loss results?
  • What lifestyle changes will I need to make after this surgery?

Questions to Ask Your Provider

  • How do I need to prepare for my surgery?
  • What does the recovery process look like?
  • When can I return to normal activities?
  • How much weight should I expect to lose after bariatric surgery?
  • When will I start seeing weight loss results?
  • What lifestyle changes will I need to make after this surgery?

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Patient Stories for Revision Bariatric Surgery

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