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By Abdulaziz Ali - Medically reviewed by Prof. Cuneyt Kayaalp, on Sep 15, 2024

What is Revisional Bariatric Surgery?

Revisional bariatric surgery is a procedure for people who have already had weight loss surgery but need another operation to correct problems or improve results. Sometimes, the initial surgery might not have worked as expected, or there might be complications. This surgery helps to fix those issues and get you back on track with your weight loss journey.

Revisional Bariatric Surgery Recovery Timeline

  • How long will the recovery take? Recovery can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the type of surgery and how your body heals.

  • How long will they need to stay in Turkey? You’ll likely need to stay in Turkey for about 1-2 weeks after surgery. This allows for follow-up visits and ensures you’re healing properly.

  • When can the patient return to work? Most people can go back to work within 2-4 weeks, but it depends on the nature of their job and the type of surgery they had.

  • When can the patient return to exercise? Light exercise might be okay after 4-6 weeks, but strenuous activities should wait for at least 2-3 months.

  • When will the final results be visible? Final results can take several months to a year as your body adjusts and heals.

  • What type of activities to avoid? You should avoid heavy lifting, intense workouts, and anything that might strain your surgical site during recovery.

  • What type of diet should the patient expect after the surgery? A balanced diet is crucial for recovery. You’ll need to eat small, nutrient-rich meals and avoid foods that are hard to digest. Staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol and smoking are also important.

How Does Revisional Bariatric Surgery Procedure Work?

Consultation

Before the surgery, you’ll meet with your doctor to discuss your medical history, what went wrong with the first surgery, and what you hope to achieve with the revision. This is a great time to ask questions and make sure you understand everything.

Before the Surgery

You’ll need to prepare for the surgery by following your doctor’s instructions. This might include stopping certain medications, fasting for a few hours before the procedure, and arranging for someone to help you out after the surgery.

The Surgery

During the surgery, the doctor will address the issues from your previous bariatric surgery. This might involve adjusting or replacing a gastric band, revising a gastric bypass, or fixing complications like leaks or blockages. The surgery is done under anesthesia, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure.

Follow-Up

After the surgery, you’ll have a few follow-up visits with your doctor to check on your recovery. These usually happen a few days after the surgery and again after a week or two. The doctor will make sure everything is healing well and there are no complications.

Side Effects of Revisional Bariatric Surgery

  • Swelling and bruising

  • Pain or discomfort

  • Scarring

  • Risk of infection

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Changes in digestion

  • Blood clots

Revisional Bariatric Surgery Results

Revisional bariatric surgery has a good success rate, especially when done by experienced surgeons. For example, studies show that many patients see improved weight loss and reduced complications after their revision surgery. The key is to follow your doctor’s advice and maintain a healthy lifestyle to support your long-term success.

How to Prepare for Revisional Bariatric Surgery

  • Avoid blood-thinning medications: These can increase your risk of bleeding during and after surgery.

  • Stop smoking and avoid alcohol: Both can slow down your healing process and increase the risk of complications.

  • Arrange for transportation: You’ll need someone to drive you home after the surgery and help you out for a few days.

  • Plan for time off work: Make sure you have enough time to rest and recover before going back to your regular routine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How painful is revisional bariatric surgery?

You might experience some discomfort after the surgery, but pain is usually managed well with medication.

Is revisional bariatric surgery covered by insurance?

In many cases, yes. Since it’s often needed to fix complications or improve health outcomes, it’s usually covered by insurance.

How long does revisional bariatric surgery take?

The surgery can take anywhere from 2-5 hours, depending on what needs to be done.

Will I have scars after revisional bariatric surgery?

Yes, there will be some scarring, but your surgeon will aim to minimize visible scars as much as possible.

Can revisional bariatric surgery be done on older patients?

Yes, as long as you’re in good health and can safely undergo surgery, age is not typically a barrier.

How do I choose the right surgeon for revisional bariatric surgery?

Look for a board-certified surgeon with experience in bariatric and revisional procedures. Reading patient reviews and seeing before-and-after photos can also help.

What should I avoid after revisional bariatric surgery?

Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and any activities that could strain the surgical area during recovery.

When will I see the final results of my revisional bariatric surgery?

Final results can take several months to fully appear as your body heals and adjusts.