Bariatric revision procedures are usually performed laparoscopically, though open surgery may be required if prior bariatric surgery has resulted in extensive scarring.
Patients may inquire about revision weight loss surgery for several reasons. A single weight loss surgery procedure is sufficient for many patients, providing adequate long term weight loss. For others, a single weight loss surgery procedure may not cause the desired results, either through insufficient weight loss, poor resolution of co-morbidities, and/or due to medical complications resulting from the weight loss surgery itself. When practicing revision weight loss surgery, one needs to be able to utilize every tool available, old or new, and when required, create new tools.
The results of revision weight loss surgery are relatively predictable when it comes to the treatment of medical conditions. With this said, predicting the impact of revision weight loss surgery on weight loss itself, is less accurate. It is common to see less weight loss after revision weight loss surgery than if the procedure was being done for the first time. The reason for this is metabolic, where metabolic adaptations occur after the initial weight loss surgery, making it more difficult to lose weight after revision weight loss surgery. Individuals who are metabolically obstinate, fail more frequently after the initial weight loss surgery.
Due to the unique needs of each and every patient seeking revision weight loss surgery, each revision must be tailored to meet the particular needs of the patient.