Understanding Revision Surgery
Is Your Lap Band Not Delivering the Results You Expected?
If you’ve had gastric band surgery but aren’t seeing the weight loss results you hoped for, you’re not alone.
Procedures like laparoscopic gastric banding are generally safe and effective when performed by a fully trained and experienced bariatric surgery expert. However, complications can arise, and outcomes may not always meet expectations.
There are times when a previous surgery must be corrected by a revision procedure.
At Beltre Bariatrics, Dr. Wiljon Beltre, a fellowship-trained, board-certified bariatric surgeon with over 14 years of experience, specializes in lap band revisions for patients across Central Florida, including Orlando, Tampa, and Maitland.
Continue reading below to learn how lap band revision surgery can help you reclaim success on your weight loss journey.
What Is Revision Surgery?
Revision surgery involves correcting or altering prior weight loss surgeries to ensure optimal patient outcomes. This might involve minor adjustments to address complications or implementing entirely new surgical solutions, like a lap band revision.
Revision surgery is typically more complex and technically challenging than the original weight loss surgery. Therefore, it is vital for a patient to choose a surgeon who is experienced in performing such revision procedures with safe and predictable results.
The goal of revision surgery is to improve outcomes, resolve complications, and support the long-term success of the patient’s weight loss journey.
Types of Revision Surgeries
Dr. Beltre offers a comprehensive range of revision surgeries to correct any complications or dissatisfaction from prior surgical attempts*, including:
- Removal of gastric band.
- Conversion of gastric band to gastric bypass.
- Conversion of gastric band to sleeve gastrectomy.
- Conversion of traditional gastric bypass to a distal gastric bypass for additional weight loss.
- Conversion of sleeve gastrectomy to Duodenal Switch (SADI-S or BPD/DS).
- Conversion of sleeve gastrectomy to gastric bypass
- Band over bypass
*Individual results may vary. Results are not guaranteed.
As with any surgical procedure, revision surgery carries certain risks, both general and specific to your unique procedure. Dr. Beltre will review these risks with you before the procedure.
Our team will also provide essential guidelines for the critical lifestyle changes necessary to ensure the success of your revision surgery. Following our expert recommendations, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, and maintaining relationships with your support network, will maximize your chances of finally achieving the weight loss you have worked so hard for.
Dr. Beltre will carefully examine your current anatomical condition, review your previous surgery records and health status, and assess any ongoing issues you may be experiencing. Based on this evaluation, he will develop a tailored lap band revision plan to help you achieve your specific goals.
To minimize the risks associated with revision surgery, Dr. Beltre will provide detailed guidelines on implementing crucial lifestyle changes that promote success. He will support you in following a healthy diet and fitness regimen to help you achieve the best possible outcomes.
Why Revision Surgery May Be Required
Revision surgery may be required due to mechanical failure or other medical reasons. Often, patients seek revision surgery due to weight regain.
On average, one in ten patients fails to lose the desired weight or may regain weight following bariatric surgery.
Important Note: If the weight is regained, diabetes and other conditions may also return.
Dr. Beltre works closely with patients from Orlando, Tampa, Maitland, Central Florida, and nearby areas to address these concerns using procedures like lap band revision and gastric band removal.
Revision surgery may be needed for several reasons, including:
- Inadequate Weight Loss
Sometimes, the initial weight loss surgery does not result in the desired weight loss. This could be due to various factors, such as the type of surgery performed, the patient’s adherence to post-operative guidelines, or physiological factors. - Weight Regain
Despite initially losing weight, some patients may experience weight regain over time. This could occur due to lifestyle factors, eating habits, or metabolic changes. - Surgical Complications
Complications can arise from the initial weight loss surgery, such as leaks, strictures, hernias, or severe acid reflux. Revision surgery may be necessary to correct these issues and prevent further complications. - Nutritional Deficiencies
Certain weight loss surgeries can lead to nutritional deficiencies over time, such as deficiencies in vitamins and minerals like iron, vitamin B12, or calcium. Revision surgery may be required to address these deficiencies and ensure proper nutritional intake. - Mechanical Issues
Mechanical issues with the initial surgery, such as device malfunction or inadequate restriction, may necessitate revision surgery to correct these issues and optimize weight loss outcomes. - Changes in Health Status or Lifestyle
Changes in a patient’s health status, such as pregnancy or the development of other medical conditions, may require adjustments to the initial weight loss surgery. Additionally, changes in lifestyle or weight loss goals may warrant revision surgery to better align with the patient’s needs and preferences.
Who Is a Candidate for Revision Surgery?
Candidates for revision surgery typically include individuals who have undergone previous weight loss surgery and are experiencing complications, inadequate weight loss, weight regain, or other issues related to their initial procedure.
Specifically, candidates for revision surgery may include:
- Those who have experienced complications from their initial weight loss surgery, such as leaks, strictures, hernias, severe acid reflux, or other surgical complications that require correction.
- Patients who have not achieved their desired weight loss goals despite undergoing a previous weight loss surgery.
- Individuals who have experienced weight regain after initially losing weight following their initial surgery.
- Patients who have developed nutritional deficiencies, such as deficiencies in vitamins or minerals, due to their initial weight loss surgery.
- Those experiencing mechanical issues with their initial surgery, such as inadequate restriction or device malfunction, which require correction.
- Individuals whose health status or lifestyle has changed since their initial surgery, such as pregnancy or the development of other medical conditions, may require revision surgery to accommodate these changes.
- Patients who continue to experience obesity-related health issues despite undergoing a previous weight loss surgery.
Candidates for revision surgery should undergo a comprehensive evaluation to assess their circumstances, determine the underlying reasons for the need, and discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.
Consider Revision Surgery With Beltre Bariatrics
At Beltre Bariatrics, we understand the importance of addressing your concerns and helping you achieve your weight loss goals with all bariatric surgery options in Orlando.
Whether you’re considering revision surgery or seeking information on all available weight loss options, we invite you to contact us today for a consultation.
We prioritize patient education, ensuring you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about your health. With our expertise and dedication, we are here to help you take the next steps toward a healthier, happier life.
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DISCLAIMER: Metabolic surgery involves a lifetime commitment to significant lifestyle changes and is not for everyone. Individual results differ depending on each patient’s medical history and willingness and ability to adhere to the weight loss program specified by Dr. Beltre. As with all surgical procedures, all forms of metabolic surgery carry the risk of complications and side effects; additional details about potential complications, side effects, and other risks will be provided to you by Dr. Beltre during your pre-surgical consultations.
The doctors at Beltre Bariatrics Center for Metabolic & Obesity Surgery have reviewed and approved this content.
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