Weight Loss Surgery Revision

Make Healthy Changes Before Considering Surgery

In cases where a person has not lost adequate weight, has plateaued, or has regained weight after surgery, it is important to evaluate the source of the issue. Patients may become complacent in their diet and exercise routines after weight loss surgery, and can often see good results when they resume healthy habits and lifestyle changes. Before considering bariatric surgery revision, we encourage patients address to take steps to reverse weight gain and lose excess weight, like:

• Maintain a food journal or use an app to track food and calorie intake
• Consult a dietitian
• Stop indulging in “cheat meals”
• Eat a diet primarily of lean proteins and vegetables
• Drink lots of water to stay hydrated, while avoiding sugary drinks
• Maintain a regular exercise schedule
• Adopt a healthy sleep schedule and sleep hygiene

When patients embrace healthy eating and lifestyle changes and still encounter inadequate weight loss, it may be time to consider revisional weight loss surgery.

Gastric Bypass Revision

During gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y or RYGB) surgery, the size of the stomach is greatly reduced to form a small gastric pouch and a new connection to the small intestine is created to promote metabolic changes that lead to weight loss. In some cases, the stomach may stretch due to overeating after weight loss surgery. The new connection to the small intestine, called the stoma, can also stretch over time and make it easier for a patient to overeat and gain weight. During gastric bypass revision surgery, the stoma is tightened so that patients can resume their weight loss journey with success.

Gastric Sleeve Revision

During gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy) surgery, the size of the stomach is reduced to roughly the size of a banana. This means that patients are able to eat much less food before they feel full, and it also reduces production of hunger hormones so patients experience fewer cravings. Sometimes, patients gradually begin to eat more food after gastric sleeve surgery, so their stomach sleeve stretches. When this happens, we perform gastric sleeve revision surgery to tighten the sleeve so that patients can feel fuller after eating less food.

Gastric Band Revision

Our doctors helped pioneer Lap-band® surgery, and many of our patients have successfully maintained a healthy weight years after gastric banding. However, Lap-band surgery does have higher complication rates than other bariatric procedures that have become more x Trusted Source High failure rate of the laparoscopic-adjustable gastric band as a primary bariatric procedure Kindel T, Martin E, Hungness E, Nagle A Go to Source popular in recent years. Lap-band complications may include:

• Band slippage
• Unsatisfactory weight loss
• Weight regain
• Band intolerance or related complications
• Heartburn
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Acid reflux
• Esophageal issues

Gastric banding is the only weight loss surgery we perform that involves the implantation of a medical device, which means that the band itself may need to be maintained or subject to issues. In addition to Lap-band management, we also offer Lap-band removal and revision surgery.

FAQs about Weight Loss Surgery Revision

Who is a candidate for revisional weight loss surgery?

If you have experienced insufficient weight loss, weight regain, or complications after a weight loss procedure, you may be interested in revisional bariatric surgery. Good candidates for weight loss surgery revision have a BMI of more than 40, or a BMI of between 35 and 40 with comorbidities such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.

Is revisional weight loss surgery right for me?

If you are experiencing any adverse side effects or symptoms, please contact us so we can discuss your situation with you, next steps and develop a plan together with you. We will meet with you to discuss your concerns, symptoms, and health status. Our surgeons can then advise you on what your best options are on an individual basis.

Everybody has a different set of circumstances, so we will take everything into consideration from your medical history, current state of health, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

Does insurance cover weight loss revision surgery?

Insurance providers may evaluate a patient’s medical history as well as the type of weight loss procedure they underwent when approving coverage of revisional surgery. Many plans do cover revisional weight loss surgery: our team can help you learn more about your plan and coverage. To get started, please fill out our Free Insurance Check form.

What if my weight loss surgery revision is not covered by insurance?

At Northwest Weight and Wellness Center, we believe that each of our patients deserves a chance to live their healthiest life. If you are considering paying out-of-pocket for your revisional surgery, we can help you learn more about self-pay pricing and financing options.