Revision surgery

Having concerns about your weight loss surgery outcome? Revision surgery is used when your first bariatric surgery didn’t yield sufficient results or if you had complications. Another popular reason people undergo revision surgery is to convert from gastric banding (i.e., having the band removed) to another option.

It's important to note: revision surgery is unique to each individual. The recommended approach is determined by you and your surgeon discussing your health, concerns and questions.

Care and Recovery

Plain and simple: You’ll be taken care of by Center for Weight Management. Throughout the entire process, our team of professionals will partner with you to create a treatment plan designed around your concerns and goals for the future. Take a first look at how we approach holistic health by browsing the sections below.

Have you experienced complications or mechanical failure as the result of a previous bariatric surgery?

While the success rates for bariatric surgery are very favorable, both short-and long-term complications can occur. These can cause health problems or undermine the overall success of your weight loss. If you have complications or mechanical failure as the result of a previous surgery, revision surgery may be an option.

Have you tried to lose weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise?

Work with your nutritionist and doctor to determine whether your insufficient weight loss is not the result of over-eating or lack of exercise.

Are you severely obese?

You may be required to meet the initial requirements for bariatric surgery: a BMI between 35 and 39 with weight-related health conditions, or a BMI greater than 40.

What is your current health state?

Certain conditions increase the risk of bariatric surgery. These can include respiratory, cardiovascular, gastroenterological or psychological conditions, as well as blood clotting disorders.

Do you have a support system?

It can be difficult to get the weight off and achieve sustained results without help. Family and friends can provide support during recovery and be your cheering section as you go forward.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo revision surgery is one that you’ll make with your bariatric surgeon and health care team. Start the conversation today with an initial consultation.

Revision surgery procedures and techniques vary greatly from person to person. Factors affecting revision surgery include:

Type of surgery originally performed
Length of time since initial surgery
Amount of excess weight loss achieved
Current health of patient
Complications from past surgery

Some of the most common revision surgeries include:

Gastric Band Removal and Revision
Some patients experience complications from slipped or eroded gastric bands. Often, patients require the removal of the band to allow healing, and later, a second procedure to replace the band, or undergo gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery.

Sleeve Gastrectomy Revision
Complications arising from an initial gastric sleeve procedure may result in severe gastric reflux, nausea and vomiting. In the case of a mechanical failure from an initial gastric sleeve procedure, patients will often convert from a sleeve to gastric bypass procedure.

Gastric Bypass Revision
Most commonly, patients seek gastric bypass revision surgery because they have gained weight following their initial weight loss period. Sometimes, the initial bypass surgery resulted in too large a pouch, which initially felt small by comparison, but over time was found to be the wrong size to allow for adequate weight loss, or to cause other complications. In other cases, the opening between the pouch and the small bowel connection – the anastomosis – may stretch out over time, leading the patient to eat more and feel less full.

The guidelines for coverage of gastric revision surgery are different that those associated with an initial bariatric surgery. You will need to provide documentation to your insurance provider that may include: surgical records, evidence of compliance with post-operative guidelines and many of the same criteria as your initial surgery (pre-operative evaluations, etc.). Typically, you will need to demonstrate that the revision surgery is deemed “medically necessary,” though this definition can vary from one insurance company to the next.

You should expect to have a few conversations with your insurance provider to discuss your options and to get a complete overview of your health plan benefits. Remember to ask which specific requirements are necessary. You can find the insurance plans the Center for Weight Management accepts here.

Some employers offer multiple health plans from different providers. If your current plan doesn’t cover the cost of bariatric surgery, talk with your Human Resources department about your options. If another provider offers the surgery, consider switching to their plan during the next open enrollment period.

In the event you need to pay for some or all of your surgery yourself, there’s support. Medical loans and surgery loans are available to those who qualify. In addition, the Internal Revenue Service lets you take the out-of-pocket costs of physician-directed surgery off your income tax.

Complete the online seminar or attend a seminar with one of our experienced weight management specialists. When you meet with your provider, make sure to bring all records from your previous procedures and any surgical notes or other information to help us understand your health history.

Interested in Revision Surgery?

If you know you’re ready to discuss your next steps to a successful weight loss surgery, get in touch with us. We’ll put an appointment on the books so you can meet with our care professionals – and discuss goals and next steps.

Request an Appointment