Bariatric Revision Surgery

What is bariatric revision surgery?

Revisions are for patients who are struggling to lose weight after bariatric surgery. This additional procedure can give you a fresh start toward achieving your weight loss goals. You may be eligible for revision surgery at Nuvance Health regardless of where you had your original procedure.

Options include:

• Converting a gastric sleeve to a gastric bypass
• Converting a gastric bypass to a gastric sleeve
• Removing a gastric band and converting it to a gastric sleeve or bypass
• Repairing defects in your intestines, like leaks, from the original procedure and not converting it
  
  

Who is a candidate for weight loss revision surgery?

You may be a candidate for weight loss revision surgery if you:

• Stopped losing or started gaining weight after your procedure
• Have side effects from your original procedure, like reflux or nausea, that just won’t quit
• Are experiencing complications, such as an abnormal connection between the stomach and intestine.
  
  

Our personalized approach includes getting to the source of issues standing in the way of your weight loss. If there has been a stressful life change, mental health professionals are here for you. If you’ve fallen back on old eating habits, dietitians give you helpful tips and the encouragement you need.

Our team works together to determine whether revision surgery is right for you. If so, trusted surgeons explain your options and work with you to plan the next steps of your care.

What to expect with bariatric revision surgery

Revision surgery carries a higher complication risk than your original weight loss procedure. You can breathe a little easier knowing you are in caring and capable hands. Many Nuvance Health hospitals maintain accreditation from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®). This prestigious designation recognizes our commitment to care, which meets or exceeds national standards.

Nuvance Health uses minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. Instead of accessing the stomach through incisions, we slide a thin tube with sophisticated instruments at the tip (endoscope) down your throat. The instruments enable us to access problem areas and make necessary repairs.

We use other techniques depending on your needs, including laparoscopic and robotic surgery. These options use small incisions and sophisticated instruments to carry out bariatric procedures.

Our team takes time to explain what will happen before, during and after your procedure, so you feel prepared for surgery. Find out more about weight loss surgery and what to expect.

What happens after I’ve had weight loss revision surgery?

Weight loss revision surgery typically requires general anesthesia and a short hospital stay. You can expect the following:

• We closely monitor you after you wake up from surgery until the anesthesia wears off. Medications including nonnarcotic pain medications help you stay comfortable. We help you get out of bed and start walking when it is safe to do so.
• A day or two after coming home from the hospital, we check in on you at home by phone. We also make sure you are taking steps to avoid complications, like changing surgical dressings, if necessary.
• You continue meeting with the surgeon, dietitian and mental health professional through regular follow-up visits. Bloodwork during these visits helps us determine if you are getting enough nutrients.
• We are happy to help if you need support between appointments. Whether it’s questions about what to eat or a little extra encouragement, we are here for you.