For Immediate Release
Irving, Texas — April 8,2011. Some people fail to experience the desired results from their weight loss surgery. Problems can occur with the original bariatric procedure that can limit the effectiveness of weight loss. In those instances, it may be necessary to perform bariatric revision surgery. Bariatric revision surgery refers to the process where a surgeon fixes the initial bariatric procedure and restores a patient’s condition so they can return to their original weight loss objective.
Indicators of Need for Revision Surgery
The need for revision surgery is usually based on two issues: the patient is not losing the desired weight, or is even gaining weight; or the patient is experiencing some medical complication. Metabolic issues are typically ruled out first. Patients are usually asked to keep a log of their food intake. If the patient is following the guidelines laid out by their doctor for diet, and there is still an issue with weight loss, then it’s time to look for mechanical reasons for failure.
Types of Mechanical Failure
The types of mechanical failure differ based upon the original procedure. For gastric bypass, the stomach pouch can stretch or enlarge, giving the patient the ability to consume more food than the surgery was designed to allow. For LAP-BAND or REALIZE, the gastric band can slip, allowing the pouch to be larger than necessary. In gastric sleeve, the pouch created can stretch, providing more food consumption than the surgery was originally designed for.
Medical Complications
If the patient is experiencing a medical complication, bariatric revision surgery may be the solution. Some examples of medical complications include:
* Ulcers
* Stricture
* Malnutrition
* Intense dumping syndrome
For LAP-BAND/REALIZE procedures, patients can experience:
* Erosion- The gastric band causes a hole to be worn into the stomach. This may cause vomiting of blood.
* Port infection- The port surgeons use to adjust the band can also become infected.
If you experience any of these complications, you should call your doctor immediately.
Risks with Revision Surgery
In most cases, revision surgery generally has higher risks than the initial weight loss procedure. Bariatric revision surgery usually is longer in duration. In some cases, the procedure requires open incisions, involves greater loss of blood, and has higher chances of exposing the patient to leak and infection.
What are the Next steps?
As with any procedure, patients should consult their doctor prior to undergoing bariatric revision surgery. If you believe you may be a candidate for revision surgery, your first step is to set an appointment. Since there are a multitude of factors that can cause the need for revision surgery, you want a surgeon that has significant experience in performing all types of bariatric surgery, including revision surgery. “One of the most important criteria for a patient to consider when contemplating revision surgery is the experience of the surgeon,” points out Dr. Sina Matin of the Surgical Group of North Texas.
The Surgical Group of North Texas – Weight Loss Center specializes in the latest weight loss surgery procedures, including gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding, gastric sleeve, robotic surgery and revision surgery. Drs. Sina Matin and Julio Rivera are renowned bariatric surgeons who show compassionate care for each of their patients. The Surgical Group of North Texas – Weight Loss Center serves the Dallas/Fort Worth Texas area. For more information, please visit http://www.thesurgicalsolution.com/weight-loss-surgery/revision-surgery/
Surgical Weight Management Solutions
Irving, Texas, USA
888.388.5282
[email protected]
http://www.thesurgicalsolution.com/
