Revisional Surgery
Adjustments to Weight Loss Surgeries in New Jersey
Most bariatric surgeries are intended to be a single surgery. Occasionally, however, a revisional bariatric surgery may be necessary. Revisional bariatric surgery is usually performed either for inadequate weight loss or a complication of the initial bariatric procedure. Revisional surgery is most commonly used as a follow-up to gastric band and gastric bypass procedures.
Gastric Band Surgery
In gastric band surgery, a silicone band is wrapped around the stomach to create a small “pouch” that makes you feel fuller faster. This band can be tightened or loosened as needed to adjust the size of the pouch.
A recipient of a gastric band may need revision surgery if:
- The band slips out of place
- The patient decides they no longer need the band and want it removed
- The band has started to embed itself in the lining of the stomach and needs to be removed
- The band has not produced the desired results and needs to be adjusted or removed
If a band needs to be removed but patients still require weight loss assistance, a surgeon may schedule them for a sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass or duodenal switch.
Gastric Bypass Surgery
A bypass surgery is used to reroute the flow of food through the stomach, bypassing significant portions of the small intestine so the body absorbs fewer fats and calories. This procedure cannot be revered, but revisional surgeries can be beneficial if it fails to yield the desired results.
Some common reasons for gastric bypass revision surgery include:
- There are problems with the new route created
- The new route needs to be adjusted to increase nutrition absorption
- The new route needs to be adjusted to decrease nutrition absorption
- The patient has experienced unexpected side effects.
Revision surgery should only be performed once your doctor has confirmed a complication with the original surgery is the reason you are experiencing difficulties.
