Back to Patient Portal
If a previous weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) operation has failed to give adequate weight loss, someone has regained weight or they have significant side effects, it is possible for this procedure to be revised or even converted to another procedure that may be more suited to the individual. Today we are going to talk about the reasons why patients may need revision bariatric surgery and the options that they have.
Why do people need revision surgery after bariatric surgery?
Surgery isn’t perfect and people aren’t perfect. Sometimes someone can have a weight loss operation that allows them to lose weight, but over time it can stop working so well, or the person can start neglecting their diet and regain weight. In other circumstances the weight loss achieved initially is insufficient, and in other cases the person develops side effects early or late that means the surgery is no longer a “good fit” for them.
“Operation failure” may mean that the reason that surgery hasn’t worked, and while we always look for reasons as to why this has happened, we don’t like the idea that the “patient failed”, rather than as a treatment failure.
The sorts of things that can lead to a bad patient experience from surgery include postoperative infections, bad reflux, malabsorption, diarrhoea, constipation, food intolerance/vomiting, reactive hypoglycaemia and abdominal pain. And the sort of problems that lead to requests for further weight loss include low self esteem and body image, back and limb pain, diabetes, breathing problems, the need for hernia repair and a whole other host of problems that people living with severe obesity can experience on a day to day basis.
Individual responsibility
There are sometimes also reasons for less-than-perfect results that lie with the individual. For example, developing “bad habits” over the years can lead to weight gain if somebody isn’t following a healthy diet and exercise/daily activity. The line between personal responsibility and apportioning blame however is too often crossed. We believe that if people are seeking help, they are therefore meeting their personal responsibilities now, regardless of what has gone on beforehand. It is still very important to know what’s gone on in the past however, in order to prevent problems in the future.
Revision bariatric surgery options
Bariatric revision surgery can take place to correct issues that have occurred after previous surgeries.
For example, if a patient previously had a gastric band and that procedure failed over time, either because of grazing, or because of a mechanical band failure, there needs to be a period of assessment before choosing another operation. If someone’s oesophagus no longer works properly after many years with a band a sleeve gastrectomy, which also puts pressure on the oesophagus may also lead to further reflux and regurgitation, so a procedure such as gastric bypass surgery may be more suited. However, despite these concerns, probably up to 80% of people who are unhappy with a gastric band will be satisfied by conversion to a sleeve, as long as they are assessed pre-surgery as being suitable.
If you have failed to lose weight with your first bariatric surgery, or did initially lose weight but have regained it over the years, it is important to know that there are other options available for you that can work.
In over 95% of these cases, procedures can be performed with keyhole surgery (laparoscopically) or robotically. However, it is important to note that revision or “re-do” surgery is typically more complex, and patients therefore are theoretically at greater risk of complications than others. Cautious assessment and consultation are required for all patients who are seeking revision bariatric surgery.
If you are considering revision weight loss surgery and would like to know more about your personal options, please call our practice today to make an appointment on (02) 9553 1120 or contact us online for more information.
0 Comments