Gastric bypass surgery has been effective in helping people lose weight. Weight loss is obtained only if the patient sticks to their diet and exercise plan. Between 70 percent and 80 percent of patients see long-term weight loss. However, in the remaining group, some regaining of weight may occur. This is not necessarily because the patient failed to follow through on their diet and exercise plan. For some individuals, their body does not respond well to the surgical weight loss procedure. At times, revisional weight loss surgery is needed to help the patient continue to reach their weight loss goals.

When a patient gets a gastric band, they are looking for something to help them lose weight. However, some patients request that the band is removed because instead of losing weight, they are gaining weight or dealing with other issues. If the gastric band is not producing the desired results or if a patient is not losing the right amount of weight in the set time period, adjustments may need to be made. Some patients have noticed an increase in their stomach pouch capacity. This is true even though they’ve had multiple adjustments to the gastric band. In this case, a different procedure or even gastric bypass surgery may be in their best interest.

If a person is dealing with a failed gastric bypass surgery, they’re going to notice an increase in their stomach capacity, they are going to notice that their weight loss slows down, or they’re going to notice an increase in their weight gain. Sometimes, revisional weight loss surgery means performing the gastric bypass surgery all over again.

As with any surgical procedure, revisional surgery does have potential risks. To minimize these risks, you should only work with a skilled surgeon who has experience in dealing with revision procedures for individuals who are experiencing weight gain after gastric bypass surgery or after a gastric sleeve.

One of the challenges with gastric bypass surgery or the installation of a gastric band is that it is difficult to know in advance what the end result will be. Some patients find living with a band too difficult, or they are frustrated with how slowly they are losing weight and look for a more involved procedure like gastric bypass surgery.

If you’re thinking about revisional weight loss surgery, make an appointment at New Life Surgical Associates in Jacksonville, FL. Contact our office today to book a consultation and learn more about your options.