Bariatric surgery is the surgical option for losing weight and improving the quality of life among other health benefits. It has been proven as a reliable way to help patients attain significant weight loss when it would normally be out of reach, so it’s generally effective. However, in some cases the results may not last long, be unsuccessful, or cause certain complications. These individuals are the candidates for revisional bariatric surgery.
Reasons for Bariatric Revision Surgery
Revision surgery is the surgery performed in patients who had their weight loss surgeries earlier and were unsuccessful because of any of the following conditions:
- Post-surgical medical complications
- Unsatisfactory results, such as insufficient weight loss
- Weight regain after achieving weight loss goals
- Unsuccessful resolution of co-morbidities such as diabetes and hypertension
- Gastric band surgery complications
In some cases, poor results from weight loss surgery may indicate that something needs to be fixed. When complications arise, it is vital that you get in touch with an experienced bariatric surgeon as soon as possible. Complications from some operations can be life-threatening, so contact us if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Re-expansion of the stomach
- Stomach ulcers
- Chronic diarrhea
- Malnutrition
- Device slippage or malfunction
Not all individuals with earlier, unsuccessful weight loss surgery are candidates for revision surgery. Bariatric revision surgery is associated with more risks than first-time surgery. Dr. Malladi is an experienced bariatric surgeon who considers the probable risks and benefits and suggests the appropriate procedure for you. She takes your unique circumstances into account and will guide you on the best course forward.
Gastric Band Revision Surgery
Gastric lap band surgery has helped many people on their weight loss journey, but many patients either have complications or simply fail to reach their weight loss goals. In fact, one study found that it failed about 44% of patients, either due to complications with the band or inadequate weight loss. Dr. Malladi offers Lap Band revision surgery to Dallas and Plano patients.
Types of Revisional Weight Loss Surgery
If you have been unable to achieve adequate weight loss or have experienced complications from a previous procedure, Dr. Malladi can help you at either our Dallas or Plano offices. The types of procedures we offer include:
Band-to-Sleeve
Patients who have had difficulties with a gastric band may benefit from converting it to a gastric sleeve. During this procedure, the band is removed and the stomach is reduced in size for more appetite control.
Band-to-Bypass
Gastric band may also be converted to gastric bypass. In this procedure, the stomach is reduced in size while part of the small intestine is bypassed to limit calorie absorption.
Sleeve-to-Bypass
Patients who experience insufficient results or complications (such as nausea or acid reflux) from gastric sleeve surgery may benefit from having it converted to gastric bypass.
Other Revisional Surgeries
In addition to the above procedures, other revisional surgeries for gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or gastric band may be needed. In some cases, a procedure may have been carried out incorrectly, or something may have failed, requiring repair. Contact our office to discuss the options available to you.
Revision Surgery FAQs
Does revision weight loss surgery work?
Any revisional surgery will carry some risk, but laparoscopic revision surgery has been shown to have a favorable success rate with statistically significant weight loss.
How do you get approved for bariatric revision?
Talk to a highly experienced bariatric surgeon. Dr. Malladi can assess your current situation and prescribe the best course forward. In general, you’ll need to meet the same requirements for bariatric surgery, such as a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or 35 plus comorbidities.
Can bariatric surgery be done twice?
It may be possible to re-sleeve a gastric sleeve if your stomach has re-expanded. However, in general, gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgeries involve removing parts of the stomach, so it’s often not possible to perform them twice.
Is weight loss slow after revision surgery?
Weight loss may slow down somewhat after revision surgery. However, the results can still be significant.
Bariatric Revision Surgery in Dallas and Plano
If you’re in North Dallas and have experienced significant weight gain, inadequate weight loss, or complications after weight loss surgery, Dr. Malladi can help you determine if a bariatric revision procedure would help you. Dr. Malladi has offices in both Dallas and Plano, so get in touch to schedule an appointment.