Understanding Revision Surgery

What is Revisional Bariatric Surgery?

Revisional bariatric surgery, sometimes called revision surgery, involves a procedure to correct or improve a previous weight loss surgery—such as Gastric Band, Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Bypass, or OAGB (previously called Mini Gastric Bypass)—that may not have achieved the desired weight loss or led to significant complications. Although such instances are rare, there are various reasons a bariatric procedure may not produce optimal results. Each surgery type on our website has a dedicated page explaining potential reasons for incomplete weight loss.

Typically, weight loss surgeries are highly effective when patients adhere to dietary guidelines and maintain a level of physical activity. However, as every individual’s body responds differently, some may experience insufficient weight loss or other challenges with certain procedures.

Revisional bariatric surgery is usually recommended if the initial weight loss was inadequate, significant weight has been regained, or complications arise, such as a ruptured or displaced gastric band, swallowing difficulties, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or an enlarged gastric pouch.

How Does Revision Surgery Work?

Any type of bariatric surgery can be revised into another, even the same type—such as revising a Gastric Sleeve into another Gastric Sleeve. Each revision surgery is defined by the initial procedure being revised and the new procedure it’s converting into. Revision surgery is often more complex due to the previous modifications made to the digestive system, requiring an advanced level of surgical expertise.

Revision surgery promotes weight loss in the same manner as the procedure it converts into, and the expected weight loss is typically similar to that of the standard version of the new procedure.

Types of Revisional Surgery Procedures

Revision surgery requires greater skill than an initial procedure. Dr Tuna Bilecik will work closely with you to assess your situation and determine the best revisional surgery to meet your goals. The options include:

  • Gastric Band to Other Bariatric Surgery Revision
    Gastric Band patients have several options due to the simplicity of band surgery and the unaltered anatomy. Depending on individual health goals, medical history, and anatomy, patients can often transition to a Sleeve Gastrectomy, OAGB, or Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. Once the band is removed, the new procedure is conducted as if it were the primary surgery.
  • Gastric Sleeve to Gastric Bypass Revision
    If the stomach pouch created during the Gastric Sleeve surgery was left too large, or if severe acid reflux persists, a revision to a Gastric Bypass is often beneficial. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass applied to the modified digestive system can increase weight loss while effectively reducing acid reflux.
  • Gastric Bypass to Gastric Bypass Revision
    In a Gastric Bypass revision, both the stomach pouch and the bowel configuration (malabsorptive component) are reviewed. An Upper Endoscopy (EGD) is first used to assess the stomach pouch size. The surgeon will reduce the pouch size to improve weight loss, and the intestinal loop may be lengthened to increase the amount of bypassed intestine.

What are the Costs of Revision Surgery

Costs for revision surgery can vary. Dr Tuna Bilecik will provide guidance to help determine which surgical option is best suited to your health history and goals.

The cost will covers all surgical assessments, the agreed procedure, three nights’ stay at Acıbadem Adana Hospital for yourself and a companion, plus a further night at a nearby luxury hotel to aid your recovery (as well as all airport-hospital-hotel transfers). The price also includes all pre and post-surgical dietary and medical support by our UK-based team.

To discuss your revision options, please contact us at your earliest convenience.