Revisional bariatric surgery
Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a life-changing procedure that can help people achieve their desired weight loss goals. However, sometimes, the primary surgery may fail to achieve the desired results or cause complications. This is where revisional bariatric surgery comes in.
Revisional bariatric surgery is a surgical procedure performed to modify or repair a previous weight loss surgery. It is often used when the primary procedure fails to achieve the desired weight loss goals or results in complications. There are several reasons why a second bariatric procedure may be necessary.
One common reason for revisional bariatric surgery is weight regain. While bariatric surgery can help patients lose weight, in some cases, patients may experience weight regain, especially with procedures like gastric banding or sleeve gastrectomy. Revisional bariatric surgery can help patients achieve their desired weight loss goals by converting their previous surgeries to newer surgical options.
In addition, complications like reflux, ulcers, pouch enlargement, or leaks may occur, which can lead to poor weight loss outcomes. In such cases, revisional bariatric surgery can help fix these complications and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Dr Lorenzo, an expert in revisional bariatric surgery, has a special interest and training in helping patients who suffer from weight regain or complications from previous weight loss surgeries. At The Hills Weight Loss & Reflux Clinic, a wide range of revisional surgeries are provided, including conversion of band to sleeves or sleeves to bypass surgeries. They also provide re-do bypass surgeries for patients who might be experiencing complications of their original bypass.
Patients who have had previous gastric band or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and are complaining of reflux or weight regain may be good candidates for revisional bariatric surgery. It is important to consider the alternatives before undergoing revisional surgery, and patients should consult with Dr Lorenzo to determine the best course of action.
Common questions about revisional bariatric surgery
Who is eligible for revisional bariatric surgery?
You are a candidate for weight loss surgery if you:
- Suffer from having 45 Kgs of weight over the ideal body weight for sex and height.
- Have BMI >40 by itself or BMI > 35 with obesity-related illness (such as, but not restricted to diabetes, sleep apnoea)
- Have had reasonable attempts to lose weight through diet/exercise but without success.
- Have other obesity-related health problems
- Have the capacity to understand the risks and commitment associated with the surgery.
What diseases does obesity surgery help with?
Bariatric surgery has been shown in rigorous research to improve or even resolve type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart diseases, fertility problems and help reduce cancer risk.
I have heart disease; can I still have my weight loss surgery?
Obesity can contribute to heart diseases, and therefore reducing obesity burden in patients can reduce the risk of heart diseases and reduce the risk of complications.
You can still be considered for bariatric surgery if a rigorous pre-operative assessment by our anaesthetist and cardiologist deems you to be suitable.
What weight loss should I expect?
The amount of weight loss will depend on various factors, such as the patient’s pre-surgery weight, the type of surgery, and the patient’s adherence to a healthy lifestyle after the surgery.
How do I prepare for obesity surgery?
The best candidates for surgery are well-informed patients who demonstrate good commitment to the weight loss journey.
- Determine if you’re suitable and do your research for the best options available
- Continue to attempt to reduce your weight before surgery
- Contact us and book an appointment to discuss matters better to help you get on your journey and achieve your aspired results.
What is the follow-up provided after surgery?
Dr Lorenzo is a highly trained bariatric and upper GI surgeon. He is committed to the patient’s cause and achieving the best outcomes.
Therefore, he believes in extensive post-surgical holistic follow-up.
Follow-up includes:
- Follow up with Dr Lorenzo 2 weekly, till the patient is on a regular diet after their surgery
- 3 monthly for the first year and then 6 monthly for the 2nd year
- Dietetics follow-up: 4 post-operative follow-ups included in our package
- Exercise physiologists follow-up: starting 6 weeks post-procedure to allow for full healing, then exercise journey start with 4 included follow-ups with the physiologist
Can I reach out even if I do not fit the eligibility criteria?
While surgical options remain the most efficient ways of achieving and maintaining weight loss, there are other avenues and options that can help you reach your goals.
Please contact us to discuss further the available options.
How long will I recover from my bariatric procedure?
Bariatric surgery is nearly completely performed in laparoscopic (Keyhole) approach, therefore patients would typically remain in the hospital for 2-3 days following the operation.
Patients typically can mobilise and walk around within 12 hours of surgery.
Patients would be back to normal daily activity within a week.
Heavy exercise or heavy lifting can typically recommence within 4 weeks of surgery.
Risks
Obesity surgery, like many other surgeries, is generally safe with minimal complications. However, there are different risks associated with different approaches.
- Bleeding, infections can occur in any surgery with a risk of <1% for each
- Staple line leaks occur in <1% in those undergoing gastric sleeve surgery
- Anastomotic leak could happen in 1% of patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery
