While the majority of people who undergo bariatric surgery have a positive experience and notice substantial weight loss, a small percentage may require a second surgery, which is called revision bariatric surgery. Reasons you might need revision bariatric surgery include:

• You don’t lose enough weight or you regain the weight initially lost.
• You experience serious complications from the initial surgery.
• The initial surgical approach fails to work or malfunctions over time.

There are many types of bariatric surgery, and no one technique works perfectly for everyone. A surgery performed years ago may work for a time and then stop working, and devices such as lap bands and stomach staples may fail over time. Some people have complications such as severe diarrhea or nutrient malabsorption that need to be addressed. In these types of cases, revision bariatric surgery can be helpful.

Repair or Replace?

Depending on your reasons for needing revision bariatric surgery, your doctor may choose to:

• Repair the problem.
• Reverse the initial surgery.
• Use a different bariatric technique altogether.

Your doctor will thoroughly review your case and then discuss all options with you before you both decide on the best course of action. In some cases, revision surgery is done in one step (one operation), while other cases may require two steps with recovery time in between surgeries.

Although revision bariatric surgery is very complex and may involve more risk than the initial operation, choosing a skilled and experienced bariatric surgeon like those at Sutter Health will help. Your Sutter Health surgeon will use the very latest strategies and tools to improve the chance of a successful and satisfactory outcome. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, both before and after surgery, to contribute toward your recovery.

Insurance Coverage

Some insurance policies cover one bariatric procedure over the member’s lifetime while others may approve coverage for revision bariatric surgery if it is proven necessary. We will help you submit the necessary paperwork to your insurance company, but we recommend you also speak directly to your insurance provider to get a thorough understanding of your benefits.