Gastric revision surgery is a procedure performed to correct issues or improve outcomes for patients who underwent prior weight loss surgery and have unexpected complications, side effects, or did not achieve their anticipated weight loss goals.
Although initial weight loss surgeries generally have a high success rate, in some instances patients experience unforeseen complications, the procedure deteriorates over time and/or they do not reach their weight loss goals. In these instances, a second weight loss surgery or a gastric revision procedure may be considered to address concerns such as:
Ruptured or displaced gastric bands or ports, or band slippage
New or worsened acid reflux (ie. GERD)
Problems swallowing
Issues with surgical staple line (ie. disrupted staples)
Enlarged gastric pouch or sleeve
Persistent nausea or vomiting after sleeve
Persistent ulcers despite medical treatment
Abnormal stomach fistula
Short gastric bypass limb lengths
Weight regain (not always a reason for revision, but may be considered on a case by case basis)
Your surgeon will assess your individual circumstance and develop a care plan recommendation customized to your specific medical situation and weight loss goals:
Removing a Gastric band
Converting a lap band to gastric sleeve or gastric bypass
Converting a gastric sleeve to gastric bypass or SADI (Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal)
Altering gastric bypass limb lengths
Resizing of the stomach pouch/sleeve
Others, as determined by clinical team
Before you have revision surgery it is important to identify any causes of weight regain, inadequate weight loss and/or complications you are experiencing. Even though most weight loss surgeries are low risk, gastric revision procedures are considered more complex and carry a higher risk of infection or additional complications. Your surgeon will review these with you based on the revision procedure recommended and work with a multi-disciplinary team of experts to assess your medical history, lifestyle and behavioral health and develop a customized weight loss plan to reverse any negative effects from your previous weight loss procedure.