Revisional bariatric surgery is performed to repair or change a previous weight loss surgery.
It might be appropriate for you if you’ve had less-than-optimal weight loss or weight regain, or if you experienced complications from your original procedure. More common complications include ulcers, pouch enlargement or the loosening of a lap band.
While revisional surgeries are often more complex than initial bariatric surgeries, our skilled surgeons have a wealth of experience performing them. We will carefully evaluate you and review your case to determine why your previous procedure failed. That way, we can take the best possible approach to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Here we answer some frequently asked questions about revisional bariatric surgery:
Am I a candidate for revisional bariatric surgery?
You may qualify for revisional weight loss surgery if your original bariatric procedure did not result in optimal weight loss, or if you’ve regained a significant amount of your excess body weight. Regaining a small amount of weight is common after all bariatric surgeries.
A revisional surgery might also be appropriate if you experienced complications from your original procedure.
Will my insurance provider cover the procedure?
Coverage for revisional bariatric surgery is determined by your specific insurance provider and plan. Generally, if you are experiencing complications related to your original procedure, you’ll be approved because of a medical need. However, if you are seeking a revisional bariatric surgery because of less-than-optimal weight loss or weight regain, you might experience more difficulty getting approved. This depends upon your specific insurance provider and insurance plan.
What results can I expect after a revisional procedure?
Results from revisional bariatric surgery vary, but weight loss is generally less substantial than after your original procedure.
Your results also depend on your original bariatric procedure. Many patients who initially had a lap band can expect significant weight loss after a conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
What are the risks of revisional procedures?
Revisional weight loss surgery is more complex and has a higher risk for complications than an initial bariatric procedure. However, it is a safe and effective choice when performed by experienced bariatric surgeons, such as those at Penn Medicine.
Will you do my revision if another surgeon performed the original operation?
Yes. We often work with patients who had their first bariatric surgery performed elsewhere.