Bariatric Revision Surgery
Correcting a primary weight loss procedure
Not losing weight from your first bariatric procedure? Or perhaps you’ve had complications? Dr McLeod is experienced in conversion or corrective surgery to help you reach your health goals. And you don’t need to be a previous patient.
What is bariatric revision surgery?
In some cases, you may be a candidate to undergo bariatric revision surgery when your primary weight loss procedure has failed or you are experiencing complications. Revision surgery involves either removing, converting, or correcting the primary procedure, depending on your unique needs. Indications for revision surgery typically include:
- Regain of your original weight
- Insufficient weight loss after your original procedure
- Complications following surgery
- Continuance of obesity-related health conditions
Am I a candidate?
Not everyone is suitable for revision surgery and Dr McLeod can offer you honest and upfront advice on whether surgery is right for you. Likewise, not all procedures are recommended for every patient.
If you are not an existing patient, Dr McLeod will start by getting the full picture of your health. He needs to evaluate when the primary procedure was undertaken, your current anatomy and your health. He also needs to fully understand any complications which may have arisen from the primary procedure.
Dr McLeod can then devise a plan that is best suited to you, your anatomy and your health goals. It is also important to uncover the causes of failed surgery that has led to insufficient weight loss. Support for lifestyle changes can and should, form part of the solution with any revision procedure.
Which revisional surgeries are most common?
Revisional surgery typically involves either:
- Removing a temporary weight loss procedure.
- Correcting a weight loss procedure
- Converting a weight loss procedure
Gastric band explantation
Gastric band explantation is the removal of an existing gastric band procedure, often due to insufficient weight loss. Removal may also be necessary due to slippage, infection, or erosion of the band. Or the gastric band may be causing you discomfort.
Re-sleeving (or Sleeve-in-Sleeve)
When your existing gastric sleeve pouch has stretched or is not small enough, re-sleeving involves trimming the existing sleeve. This initiates further volume restriction and promotes weight loss.
Gastric pouch revision surgery
Some gastric bypass patients experience stretching of the gastric pouch, leading to increased calorie intake and weight gain. Revision surgery trims the stretched portion of the pouch.
Band-to-sleeve or band-to-bypass conversion
The gastric band is a temporary procedure that may not always result in lasting weight loss and is more prone to complications such as slippage. Some patients choose to convert their gastric band procedure to a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass. The procedure that’s right for you is determined by many factors, including your existing anatomy and any existing complications from your gastric band.
Sleeve to bypass conversion
Not as common, but can be a solution for a failed sleeve gastrectomy in some cases.
What are the risks?
Revision procedures are often more difficult to perform, so there can be increased risk. Sometimes there is existing scar tissue or other anatomical changes related to the procedure. If there are complications from your original procedure, these may increase your surgery time or require open rather than laparoscopic surgery. Dr McLeod performs your surgery in a Level 6 surgical hospital. This means that all staff performing your procedure are experienced should complications arise. There is also around-the-clock peri-operative support following your procedure.
How do I maximise my chances after surgery?
Follow up with your surgeon, bariatric physician, dietitian, psychologist, and exercise physiologist. are key to not only maintaining weight loss but ensuring you stay healthy. Your commitment to follow up can be one of the biggest factors determining your success.
If you decide to go ahead with revisional surgery, Dr McLeod offers a comprehensive follow-up program. Dr McLeod and the team are ready to support your long term success.
What next?
If you are experiencing complications from a primary procedure, including insufficient weight loss, there is help. This may include revision surgery, or alternatively, a more robust support plan to help you get back on track. It is always worth seeking advice, without judgement, to help you move forward towards your goals.