Weight Loss Revision Surgery

As weight loss surgery evolves, we are learning that some of the operations done in the past may need to be revised to help patients achieve their long-term goals. Patients who have had gastric band, gastric sleeve, gastric bypass surgery, duodenal switch, or other bariatric procedures done in the past and have experienced weight regain, or had significant complications, may require a revision weight loss 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, including building healthy diet and exercise habits, to be successful after a bariatric revision surgery.

If you’re contemplating an obesity surgery 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, minimize your risk, and reduce recovery time. 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. If, as a group, we feel that we can help improve your life by changing the primary surgery, then we will make every effort to help 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.

How To Get Insurance To Cover Revision Bariatric Surgery

Insurance companies will cover bariatric revision surgery if it meets certain criteria.

To get insurance to cover revision bariatric surgery, you will need to first meet with a bariatric surgeon who can evaluate your medical history and determine if you are a candidate for the procedure. Once they have determined that you are a candidate, they will submit a request for pre-authorization to your insurance company.

The insurance company will then review the request and make a determination based on their coverage guidelines and your specific policy. They may require additional information or documentation from your surgeon or primary care physician.

It is important to note that each insurance company and policy is different and coverage for revision bariatric surgery can vary widely. Additionally, many insurance companies will only cover revision surgery if it is deemed medically necessary and not for cosmetic reasons. It is best to check with your insurance provider for specifics on your policy.

Our staff will be able to help you navigate any insurance hurdles that you may have. Rest assured, our staff will advocate for you!

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