Revisional Weight Loss (Bariatric) Surgery

Revisional bariatric procedures are designed to address issues related to previous weight loss surgeries, such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, or gastric banding.

Revisional procedures are complex and highly specialized procedures.

Only a small percentage of bariatric surgeons are capable of doing these bariatric surgical procedures properly. Torrance Bariatric Institute is one of these.

For patients who have had surgery in the past with no or inadequate weight loss

Chances are that your original surgery was not done properly. This is one of the most common reasons encountered by patients who fail to lose substantial weight following initial surgery.

Issues vary, but the most common encounters are:

• Incomplete removal of the gastric fundus (sleeve gastrectomy)
• Very large gastric sleeve
• Large gastric pouch (bypass)
• Slipped LAP-BAND®
• Short Roux limb (bypass)

Luckily, most of these anatomical errors are easily identifiable by simple investigations such as barium esophagram and upper GI endoscopy; more importantly, they are fixable.

If your diabetes did not resolve following weight loss surgery and your weight loss was insignificant, there is a very good chance that your initial surgery was not performed correctly.

 

Patients who have had surgery in the past with enough weight loss but regain it back

Several anatomical and behavioral reasons can collectively result in weight regain following initial weight loss.

Correctable anatomical issues include:

• Dilated stomach pouch
• Gastro-gastric fistula (the connection between the new and old stomach)
• Dilated gastro-jejunostomy
• Dilated jejuno-jejunostomy

We will work closely with you throughout the process to fine-tune your lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise habits.

Torrance Bariatric Institute, a concierge and patient-centered program, utilizes a multifaceted approach to both of the above-mentioned issues. We craft an individualized “game plan” for each individual, as one size never fits all to achieve your weight loss goals. For patients struggling with type 2 diabetes, we also offer a Weight Loss Surgery Cure for Diabetes approach that targets the root causes of insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction, providing long-term health benefits beyond weight loss alone.

Revisional surgical procedures work via mechanisms similar to the original bariatric surgeries, relying on a combination of anatomical (anatomical correction, i.e., fixing what is wrong) and metabolic (hormonal) changes in the body.

It depends. If your sleeve is large and dilated or if the gastric fundus (partially or in its entirety) is left behind, then yes. Your sleeve can be trimmed and revised. If your sleeve is not dilated and you have a lot of reflux, then perhaps converting the sleeve to bypass is more appropriate.

During gastric bypass surgery, the surgeon creates a smaller stomach pouch by dividing the stomach into two sections, using staples or vertical banding. This reduces the amount of food that can be eaten at one time, leading to a feeling of fullness with smaller meals.
The surgeon then connects the newly created small stomach pouch directly to the small intestine, bypassing a portion of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. This bypass limits the absorption of calories and nutrients from the food consumed.

By reducing the stomach’s capacity and altering the digestion process, gastric bypass surgery helps individuals with weight management by eating less and feeling satisfied with smaller portions. Additionally, the procedure may affect hormones that regulate hunger and fullness, further contributing to weight loss. For some individuals with a Low BMI Weight Loss Surgery option, less invasive procedures may also be considered to address weight management and related health issues.

It is important to note that gastric bypass is a major surgery and should be considered after careful evaluation, consultation with medical professionals, and a comprehensive understanding of its potential risks and benefits.

The answer to this question greatly varies among individuals, mainly due to the underlying causes of weight regain.

In simple terms, the more we correct (correcting what is wrong), the more we lose. If your sleeve is large and dilated or the gastric fundus (partially or in its entirety) is left behind, then yes.

Your sleeve can be trimmed and revised; however, if your sleeve is not dilated and you have a lot of reflux, then perhaps converting the Gastric Sleeve Surgery to gastric bypass is more appropriate.