If you previously had a gastric sleeve, gastric bypass or gastric band (Lap-Band®) surgery, and your weight-loss surgery is no longer effective – for instance, you’re not losing enough weight, gaining weight or experiencing other complications – bariatric revision surgery could be right for you. As the region’s leader in bariatric revision procedures, LVHN can improve your “tool” to provide better weight loss and help you achieve long-term success.
Is bariatric revision surgery right for me?
Obesity is a chronic disease. So, it’s important to not think of bariatric surgery in terms of success or failure, but rather as a means for achieving a long and healthy life free from high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea and other obesity-related conditions.
You may benefit from bariatric revision surgery if you haven’t achieved optimal weight loss, have gained back substantial weight after surgery or are experiencing unwanted side effects such as gastric reflux.
What are my bariatric revision options?
At LVHN, we perform minimally-invasive gastric bypass and gastric sleeve revisions, which work in different ways to reduce the size of the stomach and aid in weight loss. Each type of bariatric surgery is different. What works for one person may not be appropriate for another. We conduct extensive imaging and evaluation to determine the best option for each patient. Common revision surgeries include:
- Converting a gastric Lap-Band procedure to a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass. Gastric Lap-Bands are an older, less effective surgical approach to weight loss. Sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass provides better results and fewer complications.
- Converting a gastric sleeve to a gastric bypass. Revising a gastric sleeve to a gastric bypass can often cure gastric reflux that is sometimes caused by a sleeve gastrectomy.
- Revise an existing gastric bypass. Some people may see weight gain over time as the stomach “pouch” stretches and loses restriction. Revising a gastric bypass reduces the size of the pouch and increases the restriction.
Who qualifies for a revision surgery?
We encourage you to talk to one of our bariatric surgeons to find out whether you are a candidate for revision weight-loss surgery. You may be considered a candidate for revision surgery if:
- Adequate weight loss after bariatric surgery was not achieved.
- Weight was regained and you have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 with comorbidities such as diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea.
- You are experiencing gastric reflux.
Request a second opinion for bariatric surgery
Undergoing a procedure or surgery can be an overwhelming experience. At Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence, we offer expert insight on care for a range of routine and complex procedures including hernia and weight-loss surgery. Our skilled surgeons will work with you to provide the peace of mind that comes with knowing your options and having expert guidance on difficult decisions.
We’ll meet with you to:
- Confirm a diagnosis
- Explore all treatment options, including treatments or procedures that may not be widely available
- Discuss what treatment or care plan is the best fit for you
- Ensure you’re confident in the approach and expertise of your care team
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If you are interested in revision surgery, schedule an appointment with a member of our bariatric medicine team to get started.
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