Gastric Bypass Surgery can be a life-changing procedure, but like any other surgical procedure, there is always the chance of post-surgery complications. If you find yourself experiencing complications, or find you have gained weight years after your procedure then you probably need to consider gastric bypass revision.
Don’t feel discouraged if you find yourself in this situation, this is a promising solution that can help you get back on track with your weight-loss journey and regain your confidence.
Whether you’ve undergone a laparoscopic gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, the reasons for needing to get revision surgery are the same. You either experience medical post-surgery complications or insufficient weight loss/significant weight regain.
5 Signs You May Need Gastric Bypass Revision Surgery
- Chronic Acid Reflux: Acid reflux is normal, but the amount of acid reflux you experience after your weight loss surgery should be significantly less.
- Re-Gaining Weight: After bariatric procedures, you should lose weight gradually over the following 1-2 years and continue living a healthy lifestyle to maintain that weight loss long term. Although a bit of weight gain is normal after surgery as your stomach pouch expands, excessive weight gain is not.
- Nausea & Vomiting: You may find yourself feeling sick or nauseous after your procedure, this is normal as your body is adjusting to the changes. But if you find this feeling isn’t going away, then you must contact your doctor.
- Stomach Pain: Stomach pain is a major red flag after bariatric surgery. If you experience recurring or constant abdominal pain after your surgery this could be an indication of a complication from the initial procedure.
- No Change In Appetite: Bariatric surgery should improve satiety and help you feel fuller quicker and longer after eating. If your appetite has not changed post-surgery then it’s best to contact your surgeon.
How to Avoid Complications After Surgery
Bariatric surgery isn’t a simple weight loss solution. You, as the patient, will have to put in the work after your procedure to ensure your weight loss journey is successful. Be sure to eat a healthy diet and build a workout regimen that works best for you. Here are some tips we have for taking the best care of yourself post-surgery to avoid possible complications.
We highly advise you to educate yourself about weight-loss surgery, really do your research, and learn about the different weight loss procedure types. We also recommend you shed a few pounds before your surgery, as the likelihood of post-surgery complications increases the higher your BMI is. Lastly, address any other medical conditions as specific conditions are directly correlated with weight loss surgery and can increase the chances of complications.
Different Types of Revision Procedures
Depending on the procedure you got, you’ll need a specific revision procedure. If you’ve had a Sleeve Gastrectomy, you can address any complications with a sleeve revision that will restore the intended size of your gastric sleeve. There are more options for gastric bypass revision procedures including Sclerotherapy, Duodenal Switch, Lap-Band Addition, and Endoscopic fixation.
Don’t let the possibility of post-surgery complications stop you from getting gastric bypass surgery. The complication rates after weight loss surgery are very low at less than 10%. However, if you experience any of these signs you may need revision surgery and we highly recommend you contact your surgeon to see if gastric bypass revision surgery can help you feel better.
