According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, Bariatric Revision Surgery after failed weight loss procedures is increasing. This is due to the current rise in gastric bypass surgery. Which also resulted in a rise in the revision of bariatric surgeries. Often people go on medical tourism, where they travel abroad for medical care.
Revisional procedures are done after bariatric weight loss surgery to either repair the procedure or alter it in some way. It is known as a corrective procedure, which can adjust the type of weight loss surgery originally performed. An example could be the gastric bypass was ineffective resulting one to switch to a duodenal switch.
Or it can be completely reversed in some cases. There are different types and techniques performed, while some medical centers prefer the less invasive ones, such as StomaphyX. At the Ohio State University Medical Center, they have performed the first revision surgeries following bariatric surgery. This does not include incisions during the procedure.
Types of Revisional Surgery
There are four main types of surgery procedures following weight loss surgery:
- adjustable gastric band
- StomaphyX
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
- sleeve gastrectomy
The adjustable gastric band is a lap band originally performed to lessen the size of the stomach to prevent regaining weight. If an adjustment needs to be performed, it is known as a revision weight loss surgery. This is one of the most common and less invasive types.
Next, is a more revolutionary procedure called StomachyX. It is an endoscopic procedure that tightens the pouch recently done through a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
One of the more popular types of revision surgeries is the Roux-en-Y. This helps patients lose a huge amount of weight if their previous procedure isn’t showing the best results. The sleeve gastrectomy removes part of the stomach to leave a tube-like shape. It reduces appetites and helps improve weight loss long term.
How is Revisional Surgery Performed?
Each of these revisional surgeries is performed differently. They are all done under general anesthesia and begin the same way as their original weight loss procedure. There are also incisions in the abdomen done with a laparoscopic camera. Revision surgeries don’t take longer than 1-2 hours in total.
Recovery and Aftercare
After the revisional procedure is complete, expect to remain in the hospital for 2-3 days. During this time, the medical staff will keep an eye on you. They will also look for signs of infection or other complications.
You will be put on a strict liquid diet for the first 2-3 weeks until your body begins to recover. After that, you will be allowed soft foods slowly, starting with them being pureed.
Solid foods should only be added after your surgeon has approved them and in small quantities. Gradually increase the types of foods you eat to avoid further discomfort or complications. After two weeks, you will be able to perform your normal daily activities. Please avoid more excessive physical activity for six weeks, or until your doctor approves it.
Just like with your original weight loss surgery, you will be eating several small meals a day. You should be used to the full feeling. Also, make sure you do not eat when you’re not hungry. Expect a reduced appetite and only a very small amount of food eaten for each meal, especially in the beginning.
Do not attempt to add solid foods or eat higher quantities of food until your doctor gives the okay. Eating more would result in weight gain. Individual results may vary.
Risks of Bariatric Revision Surgery
While risks and complications only occur for a very small percentage of patients who undergo revision surgeries. You should be aware of the implications. Revisional surgeries do tend to have more risks than the original weight loss surgery.
Some possible risks following this procedure include blood loss and open incisions. The procedure itself takes longer, infection, or leaks from the incision site. If your incision site feels especially hot or is getting redder, it may be an infection. You should see your bariatric surgeon right away.
To reduce your risks, follow the surgeon’s aftercare instructions exactly. Do not attempt strenuous activities too soon, eat what is recommended to you, and take your medications as instructed. Quitting smoking is highly recommended because tobacco is known to slow the healing process.
If you take any medications, let your surgeon know before the procedure. They will most likely recommend you stop taking them about 2-3 weeks before you go under anesthesia.
When researching bariatric surgeries, please keep in mind that the website with the doctors must be evaluated by the FDA. this shows the hospital and surgeons are board-certified.
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