It’s frustrating to have weight loss surgery and later experience complications, regain weight, or not be able to lose weight successfully. If you had a past bariatric surgery performed by another physician and have any of these concerns, you may be seeking a revision bariatric surgery.
Revision surgery to modify and improve a procedure performed by another surgeon requires intensively honed skills. Many people considering revision surgery turn to our experienced SmartShape physicians for answers to their questions and successful weight loss surgery.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself to decide if it’s time to consider weight loss revision surgery.
Q: Do You Have Complications From Your Previous Surgery?
Most patients do not experience any long-term issues after a bariatric procedure. However, there is always some risk involved when it comes to weight loss surgery. Experiencing a complication is the most serious sign that you may need revision surgery. After LAP-BAND® surgery, for instance, a situation may occur where your lap band becomes loose or slips out of place. These complications require immediate attention and can affect your digestive system and your ability to lose weight. Though pain and sickness can be a sign of your body adjusting post-surgery, if these issues persist, it is important to speak with your physician and consider revision surgery.
Q: Are You Regaining Weight?
Some people may regain weight after surgery for numerous reasons. Whether it is due to stress, lack of long-term support, changes in the way you eat, stopping exercise, or anatomical reasons, your circumstances can play a significant role in post-op weight gain.
Still, if these issues are not the cause of your weight gain, you may be dealing with complications from your previous surgery. During your consultation, our surgeons will work closely with you to help determine the cause of your weight gain and make the appropriate recommendations on how to proceed.
Q: Are You Experiencing Nausea or Vomiting?
Post-operative nausea or vomiting can be normal immediately after your bariatric surgery. You may be introducing new foods to your diet, and it takes time for your body to adjust to the reduction of calories. However, if you are not straying from your diet and exercise regimen and still feeling the effects of nausea, this can be a sign that you need revision surgery. Vomiting, a more serious symptom, can indicate a complication with your previous surgery. It is important to make your physician aware if your symptoms persist.
Know Your Options
SmartShape™ has helped thousands of people achieve sustained weight loss. Part of our patients’ success is our 5-Year AfterCare Success Program that provides dietician and nursing support, customized health checks, and guidance for 5 years after surgery.
To determine how to proceed with treatment, your SmartShape surgeon will meet with you for a consultation to discuss your concerns. Depending on your initial bariatric procedure, your surgeon will discuss which revision surgery best suits your needs. Many options are available, including gastric sleeve, mini gastric bypass, or LAP-BAND® surgery.
If you’ve had previous bariatric surgery and did not have the desired results, we’re here to talk with you about your options. If you are prepared to change your eating habits and lifestyle, do not drink alcohol in excess, and do not have an illegal drug dependence, you may be a candidate for revision surgery.
To see if you qualify for revision weight loss surgery, request a consultation using our online form or call us at (888) 278-7952.