Since weight loss surgery continues to grow and evolve, we are learning that some of the operations done in the past may need to be revised or changed to help patients achieve their long-term goals. Patients who had a weight loss operation done in the past and have regained their weight or had significant problems or complications from their surgery may require a weight loss revision surgery.

Revision weight loss surgery is more difficult and carries a higher risk than the original surgery. For these reasons, all patients that are considering undergoing revision surgery are REQUIRED to start in our medical weight loss program. It is imperative that we make sure each patient has all the nutritional and behavioral knowledge to be successful after a reoperative surgery.

If you’re contemplating a revision, quite a bit of testing is required. Your BMI surgeons will want to have a firm grasp on the exact details of your anatomy in order to plan your operation and minimize your risk. Once a thorough workup is complete, including imaging, upper endoscopies, swallowing studies and visits with the dietitian, a decision for surgery is made as a collective group.

Insurance occasionally covers revision surgery, but not in all cases. Our staff will be able to help you navigate any insurance hurdles that you may have. Rest assured, our staff will advocate for you!!

Revision surgery is almost always performed in a minimally invasive fashion, even if the original operation was done using the ”old-fashioned” open method. In addition, revision weight loss surgery is often performed using the DaVinci Robot. The robot is an excellent way to navigate through dense scar tissues.

In rare instances, the operation may need to be converted to open surgery if that seems the safest way to complete the revision bariatric surgery. It is very uncommon for us to convert to an open operation.

 

If you would like more information or have a question, please Contact Us Today.