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 is needed.

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

There are several reasons why you might need to get revision bariatric surgery.

Your physician may suggest a second procedure if you’re not reaching your weight goals from your first surgery and are still obese, or if you have regained a significant amount of the weight you lost.

Complications and medical conditions may also prompt the need for bariatric revision:

  • If you underwent gastric band surgery, the band can slip or may no longer inflate properly to limit eating. A surgery can adjust or replace your band.
  • If you had a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, the tiny stomach pouch created in the original operation can stretch and become too large. A second procedure makes your stomach smaller to restrict eating or can shorten the small intestine segment that absorbs calories and can make the procedure more malabsorptive.
  • If you underwent a sleeve gastrectomy, the sleeve or banana-shaped stomach formed in your original surgery may also stretch, and you may need to have a second bariatric surgery to lose more weight.
  • If you develop an ulcer or hiatal hernia, you may need a revisional surgery

What to Expect with Revision Bariatric Surgery

There are several reasons why you might need to get revision bariatric surgery.

Your physician may suggest a second procedure if you’re not reaching your weight goals from your first surgery and are still obese, or if you have regained a significant amount of the weight you lost.

Complications and medical conditions may also prompt the need for bariatric revision:

  • If you underwent gastric band surgery, the band can slip or may no longer inflate properly to limit eating. A surgery can adjust or replace your band.
  • If you had a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, the tiny stomach pouch created in the original operation can stretch and become too large. A second procedure makes your stomach smaller to restrict eating or can shorten the small intestine segment that absorbs calories and can make the procedure more malabsorptive.
  • If you underwent a sleeve gastrectomy, the sleeve or banana-shaped stomach formed in your original surgery may also stretch, and you may need to have a second bariatric surgery to lose more weight.
  • If you develop an ulcer or hiatal hernia, you may need a revisional 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

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

Coming out of 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.
  • Fitness experts can help you adjust to your body’s changes and keep active so your weight stays off.
  • Bariatric support groups connect you with others who are on the same journey.

After Your Surgery

Coming out of 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.
  • Fitness experts can help you adjust to your body’s changes and keep active so your weight stays off.
  • 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?

Patient Stories for Revision Bariatric Surgery

Resources