What to Expect After Bariatric Revision Surgery

Revision weight loss surgery is also known as a repeat surgery. It is a surgery that is performed specifically on patients that have either already undergone a gastric bypass surgery, or have otherwise not reached desired weight loss goals from their original gastric bypass surgery. In both of these cases, it's not uncommon for a surgeon to perform a revision. But in the case of revision weight loss surgery, what the surgeon does isn't a complete revision, but a "restore." The goal after a restore is usually longer lasting, more dramatic results.

For most patients who undergo revision weight loss surgery, their primary physician is the one who provides most of their medical care. Because this is so, the primary care physician is likely involved in the decision regarding exercise plans, what foods should be eaten, and how much exercise should be done. He or she may oversee all of the activities and make the decisions about when to ask for hospitalization, if food can be safely eaten after the operation, when patients can return to work, etc. As a patient, you should ask your doctor all questions that you have about your care plan, treatment, recovery, etc., before the surgery.

Your surgeon will likely oversee all matters related to your care after your revision weight loss surgery. This includes any problems that arise after the operation itself. Because these are usually minor complications, they are generally not treated with anesthesia or any invasive methods. Your doctor will simply give you an explanation as to why the complication happened, what the complication was, and how it could have been prevented. (In the case of a complication from a new operation, the doctor may refer you to an oncologist to treat it.)

During the weeks and months following the revision weight loss surgery, you will experience many different symptoms. Many of these will subside over time as the body heals itself. However, some of these symptoms can be severe, or they can continue after healing has taken place. These can include: nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, lethargy, fatigue, changes in appetite, inability to concentrate, dizziness, or lightheadedness.

Because the revision weight loss surgery was performed to correct medical problems, many of the complications will be corrected during or after your surgery. This is one of the greatest advantages to having a reputable and experienced surgeon perform these surgeries. Your surgeon will do everything possible to minimize any problems that could occur. In many cases, your surgeon can perform a series of operations to correct common problems and make them minor variations, such as widening of a scar, or repositioning a hemorrhoid. Your surgeon can also perform microsurgery procedures, such as removing small growths, eliminating blood clots, or performing skin removal.

Before your revision weight loss surgery takes place, you will have an opportunity to meet your care team and to ask any questions you may have. The first meeting is not unlike the first meeting you have with your primary doctor. You will go through your medical history and ask any questions you may have. The doctor should discuss your lifestyle and ask you any questions that may relate to your health that he or she feels is important. The doctor may take measurements at this time as well.

After your first visit, the second meeting is more interactive and more thorough than the first visit. Your surgeon will ask you questions relating to your past bariatric surgery and ask you how you are doing, what your goals are, if you are still motivated and if you think the care you received is adequate. If you have a concern or question, you should bring it up at this time. You should also discuss any medications that you are currently taking and any supplements you may be taking. This is an important part of revision weight loss surgery and should not be overlooked.

Once you meet with your physician and are comfortable with your care after your revision weight loss surgery procedure, you can decide if you wish to pursue surgery again. The revision weight loss surgery procedure is meant to provide a more permanent solution to your obesity problem. If you do decide to have a revision weight loss surgery procedure, you should be dedicated to following all of your physician's orders and regimens. These regimens can take up to six months to a year to complete. Your health care team will guide you through this process and help you make the decision based on the outcome you are looking for in terms of long-term success.