Revision Bariatric Surgery Performed by Top Rated Weight Loss Surgeons at Mercy
A top bariatric program in the Baltimore area, The Maryland Bariatric Center at Mercy provides correction of complications from previous weight loss surgery to enhance or regain weight loss results. Mercy's bariatric surgeons provide compassionate and skilled care for long-term success.
What is Revision Bariatric Surgery?
Revision bariatric surgery may be performed when there is a need to correct or enhance a previous bariatric surgery. Revisional weight loss surgery is used to address complications as well as encourage further weight loss.
Typically, revision procedures can be done laparoscopically which reduces risk and recovery time.
If you have already undergone a bariatric surgery and are experiencing complications, or did not successfully lose weight, revisional bariatric surgery might be an option for you.
When is Revision Bariatric Surgery considered?
Mercy’s team of weight loss experts take the time to consider the reason why a bariatric revision surgery is needed, and how to provide the patient with the best possible long term outcome from the revision.
Reasons to seek bariatric revision surgery include:
Weight gain: The most common reason for revision surgery is insufficient weight loss or weight regain that causes the stomach pouch to stretch. Unsatisfactory weight loss may be the result of:
- Poor diet and exercise
- Original surgery not performed correctly
While revision surgery can be conducted to enhance weight loss, the revision surgery often is not covered by insurance if the only reason for surgery is weight loss improvement.
Faulty surgery: If a surgeon performs a weight loss procedure incorrectly, it’s important to have that corrected. Faulty bariatric surgeries are more common in patients who received the procedure years ago using less effective methods.
Health concerns: In some situations, a patient will have health complications that will require a bariatric revision. This could include:
- Ulcers
- Scar tissue
- Inability to absorb crucial vitamins and minerals (malnutrition)
- Development of an opening between the stomach pouch and bypassed stomach
- Leaking along staple lines
How does Revision Bariatric Surgery work?
There are two common revision methods that may be used:
- Reduce “stoma” size. For some patients, the connection between their pouch (the small section of stomach left after Gastric Bypass) and small intestines (called the stoma) becomes enlarged. If this happens to you, your surgeon may be able to tighten the connection.
- Tighten stomach pouch. It is possible that a pouch (or sleeve) may stretch over time, resulting in weight gain. A revision surgery can reduce the size of the pouch again, helping the patient get back to a healthy weight.
In addition to the surgery, it is equally important to consider other factors that can affect weight loss after a bariatric procedure. A revision requires commitment to lifelong behavioral changes such as eating smaller portions, making healthy food choices, addressing psychological concerns such as depression and anxiety, and getting regular follow-up care and support.