Bariatric Surgery Revisions

Answer 1

Bariatric surgery proceedings do not always produce the results that were expected upon first having the surgery. As more bariatric procedures are performed, there is a growing need for physicians to do some repairing or revising based on the outcomes of the original surgery. There are two main types of bariatric procedures that are most commonly performed: LapBand and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. During the first two years after Lapband surgery, about 10% of those that received the procedure needed to have revisions done because of weight gain or insufficient weight loss. Gastric bypass has a 5-10% revision rate over a 5 year period that usually results from non-existent weight loss or the formation of ulcers.

In order to be considered as a candidate for a revision of bariatric procedures, there must be sufficient evidence bringing to light the fact that the original procedure was not as effective as planned. Usually, consulting with a doctor about the problems that are occurring will satisfy insurance requirements that are necessary to approve a revision-type surgery.

Typically, patients experiencing a recurrence of weight gain to the level they were at before their first procedure need to discuss the possibility of having revision surgery done to alleviate problems arising from the original surgery. However, slight weight gain after the initial loss should not be viewed as detrimental. Most patients who have bariatric operation will lose a great deal of weight within the first couple of years and then gain some of it back as the body begins to adjust to the new stomach size.

Many bariatric surgery revisions will see patients go from having a LapBand to having gastric bypass surgery done. This is especially prevalent in cases where people experienced little to no weight loss, and it has been determined that the original surgery was completely ineffective. Though not common, it is also possible for gastric bypass patients to have problems with the staples from the procedure coming loose. Frequently, going back into surgery to have the staple replaced fixes the problems that the patient was experiencing.

Bariatric surgery revisions are not for everyone, as the original surgery has to be rendered completely ineffective by the operating surgeon. There needs to be concrete evidence another surgery will actually improve the result. Most people who have bariatric surgery revisions, however, do ultimately see the results that were expected from the original surgery.