Revisional Bariatric Surgery

If there was insufficient weight loss or weight regain after your bariatric surgery, you may benefit from revisional weight loss surgery. This article will discuss what revisional bariatric surgery is, the different types, and how it can benefit you.

If you’re considering revisional weight loss surgery, contact Dr. Blake Movitz at the Detroit Weight Loss Center. He is helping many people reach their weight loss goals in Southfield and Commerce Charter Twp, MI.

What is Revisional Bariatric Surgery?

Revision bariatric surgery is a procedure used to correct or improve previously performed bariatric procedures. Bariatric surgery is also commonly referred to as weight loss surgery.

Most patients will benefit after their first bariatric surgical procedure. However, over time, it can lose its effectiveness. This is when you might consider revisional surgery.

Types of Revisional Bariatric Surgery

There are several types of revision surgeries. The best type for you will depend on the previous surgery that you had and the reason why you may benefit from the revision.

Wherever possible, Dr. Movitz will perform each of these bariatric procedures as a minimally invasive procedure. The different revision procedures include the following:

Gastric Sleeve Revision

There may be various reasons why patients may benefit from additional surgery after sleeve gastrectomy. Revision surgery can be performed to:

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Revision

The small stomach pouch and stoma may stretch and become larger over time. Revision surgery can be used to:

  • Increase the length of the bypassed intestine
  • Decrease the size of the stomach pouch and stoma

Gastric Band Removal

If your gastric band is no longer effective, or contributing to vomiting, heartburn, regurgitation or trouble swallowing, gastric bands can be removed and patients may benefit from conversion to the modern bariatric surgeries.  These procedures are more durable and aid significant weight loss.

Who is a Candidate for Revision Bariatric Surgery?

You may be a candidate for revision bariatric surgery if:

  • You failed to achieve adequate weight loss (around 50% of excess weight before the first procedure)
  • You are regaining weight that you lost
  • You are experiencing complications related to your original procedure

Reasons for Revisional Bariatric Surgery

You may benefit from bariatric revision surgery for the following reasons:

  • Inadequate weight loss
  • Weight regain after surgery
  • Displaced or malpositioned gastric bands
  • Displaced gastric bands or ports
  • Enlarged gastric pouch or stoma
  • Problems swallowing
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

What Are the Benefits of Revisional Bariatric Surgery?

You may benefit from revisional bariatric surgery in the following ways:

  • Achieve your weight loss goals
  • Treat medical conditions associated with having excess weight
  • Reduce undesired effects of previous procedure
  • Reduction in acid reflux

Risks of Revisional Bariatric Surgery

As with other bariatric procedures, there are some risks associated with revision bariatric surgery. These risks could include the following:

  • Adverse reaction to anesthesia
  • Risk of infection
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Formation of blood clots
  • Gastrointestinal system leaks
  • Breathing problems
  • Changes in bowel function such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. 
  • Vitamin deficiency
  • Development of gallstones, bowel obstruction, hernias, hypoglycemia, stomach perforation, malnutrition, vomiting, and ulcers

What to Expect After the Procedure

Initially, your diet will primarily consist of liquids to help your intestines heal. Subsequently, you’ll progress through a phased diet, transitioning from pureed foods to softer foods and eventually to solid foods.

Adjustments to your dietary habits may be necessary based on the altered size of your stomach. To reduce the risk of nutritional deficiencies, you’ll be advised to take bariatric vitamins and protein supplements.

Your health will undergo regular monitoring during the initial months following your weight loss surgery to ensure a smooth recovery. You should expect rapid weight loss during the first three to six months, which might lead to various side effects, such as fatigue, body aches, increased sensitivity to cold, hair thinning or loss, dry skin, and fluctuations in mood.

At the Detroit Weight Loss Center, Dr. Movitz can provide ongoing coaching support to assist in adjusting to lifestyle changes and maintaining weight loss achievements.

Book Your Consultation Today

If a previous weight loss procedure is no longer producing the desired results, it may be time to think about revision bariatric surgery. Contact us at Detroit Weight Loss Center in Southfield and Commerce Charter Township, Michigan to see if bariatric revision surgery is right for you. Dr. Blake Movitz will be happy to discuss the options available to you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Blake Movitz, MD,  FACS

Dr. Blake Movitz

Dr. Blake Movitz

Fellowship trained from the Mayo Clinic in Minimally Invasive Advanced GI Surgery, Complex Endoscopy and Bariatric Surgery.