In this post, we are going to talk about something that not a lot of people want to talk about, which is revisional weight loss surgery. Weight loss surgery is one of the most effective long-term weight loss solutions for those suffering from excess weight and obesity. We have had many, many patients continue to see success after their surgery for long-term, sustained weight loss. 

For others, however, it is possible to start regaining some weight years after a successful weight loss procedure. The truth is that it happens. Long-term success takes a lot of constant, continued commitment and work, and sometimes these strict diet and exercise regimens may fall by the wayside for whatever reason. 

In some cases, mild weight regain may be corrected with diet modification and renewed emphasis on exercise. In others, a revisional bariatric procedure may be needed. This procedure should only be performed by a qualified surgeon experienced in revisions, such as Dr. Jay Long of Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery.

More About Revisional Weight Loss Surgery

Oftentimes what happens is that someone realizes that the volume of food they have been consuming has increased, probably happening slowly over time. What this means is that your gastric pouch or “sleeved” stomach may have increased as well, resulting in weight gain.

Before we discuss revisional surgery with patients, we want to ensure that the weight regain is indeed caused by something other than simply overeating. To help with this, patients should come to our office prepared with a food journal detailing a week or more of meals and exercise. For patients who need help getting back to the right kind of post-bariatric diet, we offer a comprehensive back-on-track program.

Once we determine that it is not a behavioral issue, we will discuss surgical options. A revisional surgical procedure will be undertaken only when all other options are exhausted since there is a greater risk of complications. Which revisional option is the best fit for you will depend on your specific situation and what surgery you had initially.

We may perform an upper GI study, which is an x-ray of the esophagus and stomach. This will allow us to evaluate the general shape of your anatomy and make a plan based on that information. 

Once we have a plan and revisional weight loss surgery has been completed, your recovery time may be a little longer than it was with your original procedure. This increased recovery time is because revisions involve dealing with scar tissue and altered blood supply. You may have to stay in the hospital for two to three days to be monitored. Most patients do resume their normal schedules within a couple of weeks. 

Find Your Second Chance with Revisional Weight Loss Surgery

Rather than looking at it as a failure, we encourage thinking about revisional weight loss surgery as a second chance or a fresh start. Most of our patients in this situation have a renewed commitment to proper diet and exercise, which is always helpful after revisional surgery. 

However, it is important to mention that obesity is a chronic disease. While weight loss surgery and revisional weight loss surgery can be life-saving, they are not cure-alls. Success depends largely on your lifestyle and nutrition. 

Please contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn more about the surgical options to correct weight regain.

Find out more about revisional weight loss surgery and other weight loss options at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery.

The caring group of professionals at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery will help you get started on your weight loss journey and stay with you every step along the way. Dr. Long and his team specialize in all types of bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, and the LAP-BAND. Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907.