Bariatric revision surgery

What is bariatric revision surgery?

Bariatric revision surgery is an additional surgery for patients who have already had at least one previous bariatric surgery. The Penn Medicine bariatric surgery and weight management team are experts at bariatric revision surgery. Revision surgery may be recommended for people who are experiencing complications from their first surgery or are not achieving the weight loss they want after the first procedure.

The most common complications that require revisional bariatric surgery are ulcers, pouch enlargement, or the loosening of a LAP-BAND. More than 10 percent of LAP-BAND procedures require revision within two years.

Bariatric revision surgery can be complex and requires specialized expertise for the best results. Our surgical team has a wealth of experience in correcting previous weight loss surgeries. We carefully evaluate you and review your case to determine why you experienced complications or weight gain after a previous surgery. Then we recommend a revisional approach suited to your individual needs and goals.

Who is a candidate for a revisional bariatric procedure?

People who experience complications, poor weight loss, or weight regain after their original procedure may qualify for revisional bariatric surgery. Your surgeon will determine the best surgical approach for you.

You don’t need to have your original bariatric surgery at Penn Medicine to qualify for revisional surgery with our bariatric surgeons. Insurance coverage for revisional procedures varies and is determined by your insurance provider and your plan. Our team will work with you and your insurance company to help you receive coverage.

What results can I expect from revision surgery?

Most people lose less weight after a revision than after their original surgery, but results vary. Your results also depend on your prior bariatric procedure. As an example, many people who don’t lose significant weight with a LAP-BAND experience weight loss after a revision to the gastric bypass.

Follow-up care is important for recovery and long-term weight loss from any bariatric procedure. Our team supports bariatric surgery patients for life. We encourage yearly follow-up visits to monitor your health, but we’re here for you any time.

Renowned care from specialists in bariatric corrections

Expertise matters when it comes to bariatric surgery, especially revisional procedures. People who have bariatric revision surgery within an accredited center are less likely to experience surgical complications.

At Penn Medicine, we adhere to the highest standards of care, ensuring you receive a better surgical outcome. Our board-certified bariatric surgeons have specialized training in weight loss procedures. Our program has accreditation from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) in recognition of our excellent outcomes and commitment to safety. We are also recognized as an Aetna Institute of Quality® Bariatric Surgery Facility and a Blue Distinction® Center for Bariatric Surgery.

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