Every bariatric doctor strives for successful surgeries, but there is always a chance that a patient’s procedure will prove ineffective. Whether the original procedure failed to generate the desired weight loss, complications arose after surgery or the patient has regained weight following a bariatric procedure, revision surgery allows your doctor to address these issues and achieve better results. 
The expert team at Bariatric Associates, P.A. strives to guide each patient toward the treatments that are best suited to his or her needs, including revision surgery to promote more successful weight loss with minimal setbacks. Is revision surgery right for you? Learn more about this procedure and when it is recommended, or call 800-200-5553 to schedule a consultation.
What is revision surgery?
Revision surgery is a type of corrective weight loss procedure that is performed after another form of bariatric surgery that failed for one reason or another. Perhaps the patient didn’t respond with the anticipated results, or maybe a patient who had weight loss surgery years ago needs a repair. Most commonly, patients have gained an excessive amount of weight since their first procedure, requiring revision surgery to reverse the issues.
Whatever the case, revision surgery can speed up the rate of weight loss by altering or repairing earlier surgical attempts, whether the patient is unhappy with the results of their original procedure, or if medical complications arise. Revision surgery may be an option following any of these procedures:
- LapBand
- Gastric bypass
- Sleeve gastrectomy
- Stomach stapling
- Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch
Who is eligible for revision surgery?
Typically, revision surgery is reserved for patients who have regained a substantial amount of their original weight back or are experiencing poor weight loss in general. However, in some cases, patients are losing weight but experiencing symptoms and side effects that may indicate a complication with the original bariatric surgery attempt. These warning signs can include:
- Chronic diarrhea
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Pain unrelated to the surgical scar
- The return of heartburn or acid reflux
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak with your doctor right away to identify their cause and determine a plan of action.
How is the need for revision surgery determined?
If you’ve previously had a weight loss surgery and are experiencing any of the above symptoms, our team of bariatric surgeons and specialists will determine whether you require revision surgery. During your appointment, we’ll administer tests such as an x-ray of the stomach and esophagus, esophagram and others to analyze what may have gone wrong with your previous surgery. Commonly, most revision surgeries seek to fix ruptured bands, migrated LapBand ports, and issues with stomach staples.
What can I expect from the procedure?
Once we find the root cause for your stalled weight loss, weight gain, or symptoms, we will guide you through all available options, which may or may not involve revision surgery. If we determine that revision surgery is right for you, we’ll utilize only the latest advancements in bariatric medicine and state-of-the-art technology to ensure your revision surgery is a complete success. We’ll also see you through your entire recovery and provide you with the support you need to stay on track on your weight loss journey.
Trust the Experts
Revision surgery can be a difficult procedure, but you can find success by placing your trust in the experts at Bariatric Associates, P.A. We’ve been specializing in both surgical and non-surgical weight loss procedures, as well as medical weight loss management and body contouring, since 2004. Our convenient West Orange location serves all of New Jersey and is easily accessible from New York City. For more information, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.