Are you a middle-aged woman who has had weight loss surgery in the past, perhaps a gastric band, but it hasn’t quite delivered the results you hoped for? Or are you experiencing uncomfortable side effects? At Sydney Bariatric Clinic, we understand that sometimes, the first surgery isn’t the final answer. We offer Revisional Bariatric Surgery to help you get back on track towards better health and a more comfortable life.

What is Revisional Bariatric Surgery?

Revisional bariatric surgery is a procedure performed when your initial weight loss surgery, like a gastric band, isn’t working as intended. This might mean you haven’t lost enough weight, you’ve regained weight, or you’re experiencing complications. Our single-stage revisional bariatric surgery often involves removing an old gastric band and, in the same operation, converting it to a different, more effective procedure like a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass.

Why Might You Need a Revision?

Many women seek revisional surgery for various reasons. You might consider it if:

  • You haven’t lost enough weight or have regained weight after your original gastric band surgery.

  • You’re experiencing complications from your gastric band, such as:

      • Severe acid reflux or heartburn
      • Difficulty swallowing or frequent vomiting
      • Problems with the band, like it slipping out of place (band slippage) or growing into the stomach wall (erosion)
  • Obesity-related health conditions (like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure) that your first surgery aimed to improve haven’t resolved.

Benefits of Single-Stage Revisional Surgery

Choosing a single-stage revision offers several advantages:

  • One Operation: Instead of two separate surgeries (one to remove the band, another for the new procedure), everything is done in one go. This means less time in recovery overall.

  • Faster Progress: By avoiding a two-stage process, you can move more quickly towards your health and weight loss goals.

  • Improved Eating: Many patients find eating becomes more comfortable and enjoyable after their band is removed and a new procedure is performed.

  • Further Weight Loss & Health Improvement: This surgery can lead to significant additional weight loss and help resolve those stubborn health issues related to obesity.

What to Expect: Recovery and Long-Term Outlook

Revisional surgery is typically performed using laparoscopic (keyhole) techniques. This means smaller incisions, which generally lead to less pain and a quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery. Most patients stay in the hospital for about 2-3 days.

Your recovery will involve a careful diet progression, starting with liquids and gradually moving to softer foods and then solids over several weeks. It’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s and dietitian’s instructions carefully for the best results.

For long-term success, a commitment to a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular physical activity, is key. You will also need to take lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent any nutritional deficiencies. Revisional surgery can be very effective in helping you achieve lasting weight loss and improve your overall health when combined with these lifestyle changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What exactly is single-stage revisional bariatric surgery?
It’s a procedure where we remove an existing gastric band and, in the same operation, convert it to a new weight loss surgery like a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass.
You might need it if your initial surgery didn’t lead to enough weight loss, you’ve regained weight, or you’re experiencing uncomfortable complications from your previous procedure, especially a gastric band.

The primary benefits include needing only one operation instead of two, a potentially faster overall recovery, improved comfort with eating, and renewed opportunities for significant weight loss and better health.

Most patients typically stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days.

Yes, similar to many bariatric procedures, you will need to take lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure you get all the nutrients your body needs.

The best way to find out is to have a thorough discussion with your bariatric surgeon. They will evaluate your individual situation, medical history, and goals to determine if revisional surgery is a suitable option.

Overview