Understanding Bariatric Revision Surgery with BariNation Support

About Bariatric Revision Surgery: Why It May Be Necessary and How Patients Can Explore It.

The American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery estimated that in 2021, almost 263,000 people in the United States underwent weight loss surgery. Bariatric surgery is a medical procedure or a series of surgical interventions to help individuals who have elevated BMIs or are overweight improve their overall health and see significant weight loss. This type of surgery is often considered when patients with excess weight have not been able to reverse or eliminate their comorbidities contributing to serious health issues.

 

Bariatric surgery typically involves changing or modifying the digestive system to restrict food intake or alter how the body absorbs nutrients. There are different types of bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, SADI-S, adjustable gastric banding (like the Lap-Band), biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS), and many more. Each of these procedures has its specific method and intended effects.

 

The primary goal of bariatric surgery is to help individuals lose weight and improve or resolve obesity-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease, cancer, and many other issues. It can be an effective option for individuals who meet specific criteria and are committed to making necessary lifestyle changes to support their weight loss and overall health.

 

Bariatric revision surgery is a medical procedure that offers hope to individuals who have undergone initial bariatric surgery but are experiencing complications or have not been able to resolve or eliminate their comorbidities.  It is essential to understand that most patients who undergo revision surgery have done nothing wrong post-operatively. Revision surgeries are necessary and needed for a myriad of reasons, and most of those reasons are outside of a patient's control. Obesity is a chronic and lifelong disease, with no cure. But there are effective, safe, and empowering treatment options that people can access. Patients will need to treat their disease throughout their lives, and as the disease progresses, so will the treatment options they choose to onboard. Revision surgery can be one of these treatment options. 

Bariatric Surgery: A Second Chance at a Healthier Life

Bariatric surgery is a powerful tool for individuals struggling with obesity. It helps them achieve significant weight loss and improve various obesity-related health conditions. However, in some cases, the initial procedure may not yield the desired results or can lead to complications.

Why Revision May Be Needed

• Inadequate Weight Loss

Patients may consider bariatric revision surgery if they do not achieve their weight loss goals after surgery. This could be due to various factors, including inadequate lifestyle changes or metabolic factors. Metabolic factors include genetic and biological issues, hormonal imbalances, medication complications, and age. So many factors contribute to the onset of obesity, and it is crucial to understand that most are outside a patient's control.  

• Recurrence or continued presence of metabolic disease factors

After a bariatric procedure, comorbidities could remain or could reappear, meaning that the risk factors associated with metabolic disease are still present. These factors can contribute to earlier mortality for the patient and need to be addressed if the patient wants to mitigate these health factors. 

• Complications

Complications from the first surgery, such as infection, hernia, malnutrition, and acid reflux/GERD, can necessitate revision surgery. Resolving these issues is crucial for the patient's well-being.

Eligibility and Evaluation

Before opting for revision surgery, patients must undergo a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional. This assessment includes a review of medical history, current health status, and psychological evaluation. The patient's readiness and commitment to lifestyle changes are also considered. This could be something your PCP or original bariatric surgeon can help you with. If you do not have established relationships with these providers, you can seek a new provider who is excited to team up with you to help you access the continued care you need. 

Exploring the Options

When patients find themselves in a situation where revision surgery seems necessary, it's essential to explore their options thoroughly:

Consult with Your Bariatric Surgeon

The first step is to consult with the surgeon who performed the initial bariatric surgery. They have the best understanding of your medical history and can offer guidance on whether revision surgery is the right path for you. If you do not have a positive relationship with them, find a new surgeon! Call your insurance provider and ask for a list of surgeons in your area. You want to find someone who understands you and your struggles, and who truly wants to partner with you for your lifetime. 

Seek a Second Opinion

Obtaining a second opinion from another experienced bariatric surgeon is a wise decision. Different experts may have alternative perspectives, which can provide clarity and confidence in the decision-making process.

Choose the Right Procedure

There are various revision procedures available, such as gastric band conversion, sleeve gastrectomy, or gastric bypass revision. Each has its advantages and considerations, and selecting the most suitable one is a crucial decision. Take the time to learn about each procedure and educate yourself on how each surgery works. The BariNation website has some fantastic resources that will help you start your educational journey! Find a board-certified bariatric surgeon who performs all five of the major surgeries. A surgeon who performs ALL five of the major bariatric surgeries will help find the best surgery for you and not just one or two limited options.

Big Takeaways

Bariatric revision surgery offers hope to those who have experienced setbacks or complications after their initial weight loss surgery. It's essential to understand the reasons for revision, explore your options, and seek the guidance of experienced professionals.

By taking the right steps, you can regain control of your health and achieve your weight loss goals. Needing a revision does not mean you “failed” your surgery. It means your disease is progressing and more treatment is needed.

If you are not connected to a caring community of peers and experts, or if you are looking for additional support, join the BariNation Support Community and start attending their support groups, classes, and meetups. We also recommend you listen to our BariNation Revision podcast to better understand why revision surgery is necessary for some patients. And if you are ready to take the next steps to explore revision surgery, connect with our office today. We are here to support you, every step of the way. 

Please link to BariNation episode 168: Understanding Bariatric Revisions: Why and Why it is Necessary with Dr. Cribbins and Dr. Chen

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1FNnI021bRDzGaGraHBvOE

YouTube: https://youtu.be/O9CprD8mTjk?si=pAYKx4PiaN9Qo2Yv