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Revision Weight Loss Surgery
While most people achieve significant and lasting results from their first weight loss (bariatric) procedure, some may benefit from a further procedure. A revision procedure is performed to improve outcomes, address complications, or adapt the surgery to better suit the body’s needs over time.
Revision surgery is most commonly considered after:
Insufficient weight loss or significant weight regain
Ongoing reflux or heartburn after sleeve gastrectomy
Complications or intolerance related to previous surgery (e.g. gastric band issues)
Changes in health, lifestyle, or treatment goals
Common revisional procedures include converting a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric band to a gastric bypass. These surgeries can offer improved symptom control, better metabolic outcomes, and more durable weight loss.
Revision surgery is more technically complex than first-time bariatric procedures.
Choosing an experienced bariatric team - including surgeon, nurse, dietitian, psychologist, and physiotherapist - is essential for safe, effective care and long-term success.
What's Involved in Revision Weight Loss Surgery?
Revisional weight loss surgery can provide a second chance at achieving your health goals, especially when supported by a comprehensive, expert-led team. With the right care, planning, and follow-up, you can achieve renewed confidence, improved health, and long-term success.
Revision weight loss surgery is typically done under general anaesthetic using minimally invasive techniques. The procedure may take slightly longer than a primary operation due to scar tissue or changes from the first surgery.
Hospital stay is usually 1–2 nights, though this may vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and your recovery.
Sleeve gastrectomy to gastric bypass
Some people who have had a sleeve gastrectomy go on to experience reflux, weight regain, or complications like strictures (narrowing) or sleeve dilation. Converting the sleeve to a roux-en-Ygastric bypass involves creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting the intestine to reduce acid exposure and improve satiety.
This revision can significantly improve reflux symptoms and support renewed weight loss. It is typically performed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) under general anaesthetic.
Gastric band to gastric bypass
Adjustable gastric bands have largely fallen out of favour due to issues such as slippage, erosion, intolerance, or limited long-term success. For many people, the band is removed and a gastric bypass is performed in the same operation or as a planned two-stage approach.
This revision offers improved weight loss, fewer complications, and better long-term outcomes, especially for those who had difficulty tolerating the band or had minimal results.
Find A Specialist
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Dr Nigel S. Rajaretnam
General, Oesophago-gastric & Endocrine Surgeon
