Mercy’s team of weight loss experts take the time to consider the reason why a bariatric revision surgery is needed, and how to provide the patient with the best possible long term outcome from the revision.
Reasons to seek bariatric revision surgery include:
Weight gain: The most common reason for revision surgery is insufficient weight loss or weight regain that causes the stomach pouch to stretch. Unsatisfactory weight loss may be the result of:
- Poor diet and exercise
- Original surgery not performed correctly
While revision surgery can be conducted to enhance weight loss, the revision surgery often is not covered by insurance if the only reason for surgery is weight loss improvement.
Faulty surgery: If a surgeon performs a weight loss procedure incorrectly, it’s important to have that corrected. Faulty bariatric surgeries are more common in patients who received the procedure years ago using less effective methods.
Health concerns: In some situations, a patient will have health complications that will require a bariatric revision. This could include:
- Ulcers
- Scar tissue
- Inability to absorb crucial vitamins and minerals (malnutrition)
- Development of an opening between the stomach pouch and bypassed stomach
- Leaking along staple lines
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