Bariatric Revision Surgery

Tijuana, México

Part of the weight loss journey involves regular care, especially after the initial weight loss surgery, so the bariatric surgery patients can have a healthy weight and lifestyle.

But, before we begin, we will tell you about it:

Weight loss revision surgery involves modifying or correcting a previous weight loss surgery and can be a complex procedure that requires specialized expertise. After surgery, some circumstances might lead you to consider bariatric surgery revision.

What Is Bariatric Revision Surgery?

surgeons inside the surgery passing the scalpel over themselves
Surgeon’s Hands out Instruments to Surgeons During Operation.

Revision surgery refers to a surgery in a patient who has had previous gastroesophageal procedure or underwent weight loss surgery.

It is a challenge not only for assessing the patient correctly and deciding the best surgical therapy, but the technical difficulty of performing the procedure.

This revision is designed to correct any problems or complications that arise after having a primary bariatric procedure. It can include revision of bariatric procedures such as a gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass or lap band.

Doctor talking to a patient in his office
Doctor talking to a patient in her office.

The aim of the surgery is to repair any issues and ensure that the client will get what they want from their weight loss procedure. Issues arising from the primary procedure often require correction through a secondary surgery in order to ensure full health and help clients to reach their weight loss goals.

Why Have Bariatric Surgery Revision?

Surgeons in an operating room performing surgery
Surgeons in an operating room performing a procedure.

Weight loss surgery revision may be necessary after a primary bariatric surgery. A number of problems can arise that require the surgery to be revised.

A failed surgery can be defined as one that has resulted in:

  • Less than 50% loss of the expected weight loss
  • Weight loss followed by partial or total weight gain
  • An intolerance to normal/solid foods
  • Signs that the overall quality of life is diminishing
  • Additional health issues caused by the procedure
  • Medical complications

For a number of reasons, a surgery of this kind can fail to allow the patient to reach his or her goals. Whether it is gastric banding, gastric sleeve, vertical gastroplasty (stomach stapling), gastric plication or gastric bypass, a failed procedure is both disappointing and a major health issue.

There are mainly 3 causes for a failed weight loss procedure

Woman in yellow t-shirt touching her stomach
Woman in yellow t-shirt touching her stomach
  1. Technical Causes: Technical failures refer to issues related to the surgical procedure. This could include errors during the surgery, such as incorrect placement of staples or sutures, inadequate pouch formation or sizing, or complications during the surgical process. These technical errors can lead to immediate complications or long-term problems that affect the success of the surgery.
  2. Mechanical Causes: Mechanical failures involve issues with the anatomical changes made during the surgery. For example, forming a stretched gastric pouch or dilating the stomach outlet (stoma) in procedures like gastric bypass can lead to reduced restriction and increased food intake, undermining weight loss efforts. Similarly, mechanical issues such as band slippage or erosion can occur in procedures like gastric banding, necessitating revision procedures.
  3. Adaptive Causes: Adaptive failures are related to the body’s ability to adapt to the changes made by the surgery. Over time, the body may adapt to the alterations in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to changes in hormonal regulation, metabolic rate, or eating behaviors. These adaptations can result in reduced effectiveness of the surgery, weight regain, or other metabolic complications.

Other factors to consider Bariatric Surgery Revision

Woman touching her abdomen, on a colorful background.
Woman touching her abdomen, on a colorful background.

However, not only failed bariatric surgeries are the reasons for revision bariatric surgeries; we will tell you all about it, such as:

Complications from Previous Surgery: If you’ve experienced surgery complications such as gastric pouch dilation, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or malnutrition following a prior bariatric surgery, revision may be necessary to address these issues.

Inadequate Weight Loss: Some individuals may not achieve their desired weight loss or regained weight after an initial bariatric surgery due to various factors such as lifestyle changes, dietary habits, or metabolic adaptations. Revision surgery may enhance weight loss outcomes or address weight regain.

Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions or complications arising after the initial surgery, such as dumping syndrome, nutritional deficiencies, or severe reflux, may necessitate revision to improve quality of life.

Fruits and vegetables placed on a table.
Vegetables, fruit, and foods containing potassium, stone background.

Structural Changes: Structural changes in the gastrointestinal tract, such as pouch dilation or anastomotic stenosis (narrowing of the surgical connection), may require surgical correction through revision procedures to optimize the anatomy and functionality of the digestive system.

Psychological Factors: such as unresolved emotional issues, binge eating disorder, or inadequate adherence to post-operative behavioral guidelines may contribute to suboptimal weight loss outcomes or weight regain. Revision surgery may be considered along with comprehensive psychological support to address these underlying issues.

Doctor in consultation with her patient.
Doctor in consultation with her patient.

Emerging Surgical Techniques: Advances in bariatric surgery techniques and technologies have led to the development of newer procedures that may offer improved outcomes for patients who have undergone weight loss surgery. Revisional surgery may involve adopting these recent techniques to enhance efficacy and safety.

Revision of Previous Procedure: In certain situations, bariatric patients may opt for a revision procedure to convert or revise their previous bariatric surgery to a different type of surgery that better suits their needs, preferences, or medical conditions. For example, convert a gastric band to a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass.

Key points to consider if you’re contemplating bariatric revision surgery in Mexico:

Mexican flag flying in the sky.
A large Mexican flag, lit with golden pre-sunset light, on a flag pole, with a blue sky, in the Zocalo, Mexico City.

Research Accredited Facilities: Look for hospitals or clinics and bariatric surgeons accredited by reputable organizations. Accredited facilities adhere to excellent quality and safety standards.

Qualified Surgeons: Ensure that the surgeons performing the revision weight loss surgery are board-certified, experienced, and skilled in bariatric procedures. You can ask for their credentials, experience, and success rates with bariatric revision surgeries.

Reviews: Read reviews and testimonials from previous bariatric surgery patients at the facility you’re considering.

Pre-Operative Evaluation: Before scheduling the surgery, undergo a thorough pre-operative evaluation to assess your current health status and determine the most suitable surgical approach for your specific needs.

Doctor in his office taking notes on his patience.
Doctor comforting patient at consulting room

Post-Operative Care: Inquire about the facility’s post-operative care and follow-up support. This includes recovery assistance, dietary guidance, and long-term monitoring to ensure successful outcomes.

Travel and Accommodation: Plan your trip and accommodation arrangements well in advance. Consider factors such as transportation to and from the facility, lodging near the hospital, and visa requirements for entering Mexico.

Risks and Complications: Understand the possible risks and complications associated with bariatric revision surgery and the measures taken by the facility to minimize these risks.

Affordable Weight Loss: Compare the costs of weight loss revision surgery in Mexico with those in your home country—factor in all expenses, including surgery fees, hospital charges, travel costs, and post-operative care. Additionally, check if your health insurance covers medical procedures performed abroad.

Stacks of dollars piled on top of each other.

Legal and Ethical Considerations: Familiarize yourself with the legal and ethical standards governing medical tourism in Mexico. You need to make sure to understand the terms of your treatment agreement.

You also must remember to consult with your primary care physician or bariatric surgeons in your home country before making any decisions regarding bariatric revision surgery abroad. They can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision based on your case and medical history.

Mexico Bariatric Revision Surgery

Mexico has become a well-known place for medical tourism, especially surgery in Tijuana, Mexico. This includes bariatric surgeries due to lower costs compared to many other countries. However, it’s crucial to thoroughly research and consider various factors before undergoing any medical procedure abroad.

Revision surgery can be performed after several primary procedures, and may be chosen to correct several problems or complaints. If you want bariatric revision surgery, VIDA Wellness and Beauty is the bariatric surgery center that can help you.

Vida Wellness and Beauty Center building

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Which Bariatric Surgery Procedures Can Be Corrected?

Revision surgery depends on the first weight loss surgery and the problems. At VIDA Hospital, our skilled surgical team can help with bariatric revision surgery for different bariatric procedures. Gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and lap band are three procedures we offer, and we also provide revision surgery.

Surgeon team during a procedure in an operating room.
Team of Surgeons Operating in the Hospital
  1. Gastric band (Lap band) to:
    • Gastric band removal
    • Gastric sleeve
    • Gastric bypass
    • Duodenal Switch
  2. Gastric plication to:
    • Revision and replication
    • Gastric sleeve
    • Gastric bypass
    • Duodenal switch
  3. Gastric sleeve to:
Before and after gastric sleeve surgery.
Before and after gastric sleeve surgery.
    • Revision and remodeling (re-stapling)
    • SADI (Single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass)
    • Duodenal Switch
    • Plication of gastric sleeve4. Gastric bypass to:

      • Band over bypass
      • Pouch plication
      • Revision of the stroma
      • Elongation of the limbs(s)

1.Gastric band revision surgery

Also known as gastric banding revision or Lap band surgery, it is a procedure to address issues related to the original bariatric surgery. Lap band surgery, also called laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), involves placing a silicone band around the top part of your stomach to make a smaller stomach sack, which helps control food intake and promote weight loss.

Slim woman measuring her waist with a tape measure.
Slim woman measuring her waist with a tape measure.

However, sometimes, lap band patients may experience complications or inadequate weight loss following lap band surgery, leading to the need for revision surgery.

Some common reasons for lap band revision surgery include:

  • Band Slippage: The lap band may slip out of place, causing discomfort, difficulty swallowing, or inefficient weight loss.
  • Band Erosion: In some cases, the lap band may erode into the stomach tissue, resulting in complications such as infection or gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Band Malposition: Improper placement of the lap band may lead to ineffective weight loss or discomfort.
  •  Weight Loss issues: Some patients may not achieve the desired weight loss results with gastric banding alone, necessitating revision to explore other options.
  • Device-related Complications: Band intolerance, band intolerance syndrome, or lap band-related complications may require surgery revision.

Lap band revision may involve various procedures, depending on the specific issue and patient’s needs; here are the potential procedures they might choose:

Doctor operating with his surgical team
Professional doctors performing surgical operation in operating room.
  • Gastric Band Removing: Some patients may choose to have their lap band removed without replacing it with another weight loss surgery. After removal, patients will need to adjust their diet and lifestyle to manage their weight without the assistance of the Band.
  • Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy) is a popular option for patients seeking a more permanent and effective solution for losing weight than a lap band.
  • Gastric Bypass Surgery (Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass): The gastric bypass procedure involves creating a small stomach sack, and redirecting the small intestine to bypass a part of the stomach and upper small intestine. It’s often chosen by patients who require more substantial weight loss or have conditions like type 2 diabetes.
  • Duodenal Switch: This procedure combines restrictive and malabsorptive elements. It involves creating a smaller stomach sack similar to the gastric sleeve and rerouting a significant part of the small intestine to reduce the absorption of calories and nutrients.

2. Gastric plication surgery revision

This surgery addresses issues or complications following an initial gastric plication surgery. Gastric plication is a relatively newer type of weight loss surgery that involves folding and suturing the stomach to reduce its volume without removing any part.

There are several reasons why a patient might require gastric plication revision:

Worried overweight woman on blue background.
Worried overweight woman on blue background.
  • Inefficient Lost Weight: it may enhance weight loss outcomes.
  • Complications: Complications such as persistent nausea, vomiting, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may occur after gastric plication and may require corrective surgery.
  • Stomach Plication Failure: The sutures used during the initial procedure to fold and secure the stomach may loosen over time, leading to the stomach returning to its original size and shape.
  • Persistent Symptoms: Some patients may experience recurrent symptoms such as bloating, discomfort, or difficulty eating after the initial surgery, prompting the need for revision to address these issues.
Overweight woman touching her abdomen
Young woman experiencing stomach pain while lying on the sofa at home.

 

Gastric plication revision may involve various approaches, depending on the needs of the patient. The revision procedure could include:

  • Reinforcing the original plication.
  • Converting to another bariatric procedure such as gastric sleeve or gastric bypass.
  • Even reverting to the patient’s original anatomy in some cases.

3.Gastric Sleeve Revision

This procedure, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, addresses complications, deficient weight loss, or weight regain following an initial gastric sleeve. Gastric sleeve comprehend the removal of a big part of the stomach, leaving behind a smaller sleeve-shaped stomach pouch.

Surgeon in an operating room with lights in the background
Female surgeon and assistant, professional surgery, operating room.

There are several reasons why a patient might require gastric sleeve revision:

  • Inadequate Weight Loss: Some patients may not achieve the desired outcome or may experience weight regain after sleeve gastrectomy. Revision surgery may enhance losing weight outcomes.
  • Complications include leaks, strictures (narrowing of the sleeve), or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which may occur after gastric sleeve surgery and require corrective surgery.
  • Dilated Sleeve: Over time, the stomach sleeve may stretch or enlarge, leading to an increase in food intake capacity and potentially weight regain. Surgery revision may involve resizing or reshaping the sleeve to restore its effectiveness.
  • Refractory GERD: Some patients may develop severe or persistent GERD symptoms after gastric sleeve surgery, which do not respond to medical management. Revision surgery may involve converting to another procedure, such as gastric bypass, to alleviate GERD symptoms.
  • Excessive Hunger: In some cases, patients may experience persistent feelings of hunger or difficulty with appetite control following gastric sleeve surgery, leading to overeating and excess weight.Revision surgery may involve converting to a more restrictive or malabsorptive procedure to better control hunger so that bariatric surgery patients can lose weight.

Women with eating disorder overeating, while sitting down.

Gastric sleeve revision surgery may involve various approaches, depending on the specific issues and the patient’s needs. This could include resizing or reshaping the existing sleeve, converting to another bariatric procedure such as gastric bypass or duodenal switch, or addressing complications such as leaks or strictures. Gastric sleeve revisions cost around 7,000 USD in Vida Wellness & Beauty.

4.Gastric Bypass Revision

Group of surgeons in an operating room.
Professional doctors performing surgical operation in operating room.

The gastric bypass revision surgery is a procedure that helps to address complications, like not losing enough weight or weight regain following an initial gastric bypass procedure, also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The gastric bypass procedure involves forming a small stomach sack and rerouting the small intestine to bypass a portion of the stomach and upper small intestine, thereby restricting food intake and reducing nutrient absorption.

There are several reasons why a patient might require a gastric bypass revision procedure:

  • Lose Weight Issues: Some patients may not achieve the desired outcome or experience weight regain after a gastric bypass procedure. Gastric bypass revision may enhance weight loss outcomes.
  • Complications: Complications such as leaks, strictures (narrowing), ulcer formation, or internal hernias may occur after gastric bypass surgery and may require corrective surgery.
  • Dilated Stoma or Pouch: Over time, the stoma (the opening between the stomach pouch and the intestine) or the stomach pouch itself may stretch or dilate, leading to an increase in food intake capacity and potentially weight regain. Gastric bypass revision surgery may involve resizing or reshaping the stoma or pouch to restore effectiveness.
  • Dumping Syndrome: Some patients may develop dumping syndrome, characterized by symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, or rapid heartbeat after consuming certain foods or beverages. Revision surgery may be considered to alleviate or manage dumping syndrome symptoms.
  • Refractory GERD: In some cases, patients may develop severe or persistent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms after gastric bypass surgery, which do not respond to medical management. Revision surgery may involve converting to another procedure, such as conversion to a gastric sleeve or a biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch, to alleviate GERD symptoms.

Gastric bypass revision surgery may involve various approaches, depending on the specific issues and the patient’s needs. This could include resizing or reshaping the stoma or pouch, correcting complications such as leaks or strictures, or converting to another weight loss procedure to address complications.

 

Board Certified Bariatric Surgeons

Dr. Gabriela Rodriguez specializes in General and Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery. She brings to VIDA Wellness and Beauty a wealth of experience in bariatrics. Dr. Rodriguez is a founding Mexican College of General Surgeons associate and a world-class bariatric surgeon with double certification in the US and Mexico.

Learn more about Dr. Gabriela Rodríguez here.

Eligibility for Revision Surgeries

VIDA Wellness and Beauty can help a range of people with revision bariatric surgery. Our skilled team can assist those who have already had an initial bariatric procedure, whether with us or you had your original surgery elsewhere. If you are experiencing complications from your primary procedure or you are not seeing the results that you had hoped for, you might be a candidate for revision surgery.

Like any surgery, there is a risk of complications, so it’s essential to have a certain level of health for revision bariatric surgery.

The best way to determine your eligibility for revision bariatric surgery is to consult a doctor. When you choose VIDA Wellness and Beauty, you can enjoy a virtual consultation, which you can complete from the comfort of your own home.

WHO DETERMINES WHAT REVISION PROCEDURE I GET?

The best procedure is always the one you have thoroughly studied, researched, understood, and committed to as a patient. No procedure is complication-free or failure-free, but there are generalities.

Finding the Right Surgeon for the Procedure

When considering revision weight loss surgery, you need to feel assured that you will be in safe hands. You must know who you should choose for bariatric revision surgery and what you should be looking for. Bariatric revision surgery should be performed by skilled, certified bariatric surgeons with experience in similar procedures.

If you have already had bariatric surgery but have experienced complications, you might be wary of finding the right person to carry out the surgery this time around. At VIDA, our skilled and experienced bariatric physician, Dr. Gabriela Rodríguez Ruiz, and their team can successfully complete revisional bariatric surgery of various types. They have decades of experience in bariatric surgery and will ensure that you get the results you want from your revision surgery.

We balance excellent service, care quality, and affordable pricing. You can request a consultation with a caring bariatric physician to learn more about our surgical team and procedures.

How Much Is Bariatric Surgery Revision?

We offer transparent pricing to make it easy to see what you pay and get for your money. You can find information about our pricing on our pricing page, which gives you precise estimates based on standard pricing. Each revision surgery may have different requirements, meaning that the price can change based on your circumstances and the nature of your procedure. You can receive a more personalized quote after consulting with our surgeon.

Our prices for bariatric surgery revision at our Tijuana hospital include all medical necessities, including surgeon fees, anesthesiologist fees, anesthesia, and lab work. We can help to arrange everything for your trip, including ground transportation to the hospital and a hotel stay the night before the surgery if needed.

We have financing options for bariatric surgery procedures at VIDA Wellness and Beauty. These include options from Citerra Finance and United Medical Credit. Several payment options are available, too, including direct deposit, VISA, and MasterCard.

Why Choose VIDA Wellness and Beauty for Revision Weight Loss Surgery?

If you want revision weight loss surgery that you can trust, VIDA Wellness and Beauty can help you. Our experienced and qualified surgeons have many years of experience with bariatric procedures and revision surgery. They and their team are ready to ensure you receive the best care throughout your time with us. When you need to correct a previous bariatric procedure, you can rely on us to go above and beyond to deliver what you need.

Our hospital in Tijuana, Mexico, is designed to offer you all the comfort you require. We have patients who travel from around the world to receive the best treatment from our team. In addition to our state-of-the-art hospital facilities, we also have a private room where you can recuperate after surgery. We even have a stylish dining room to provide you with local Mexican dishes, healthy food, and somewhere to relax. As well as round-the-clock nursing care, the Recovery Boutique also has a business center, WiFi, and a common area for relaxation.

The world-class service provided by VIDA Wellness and Beauty is a complete offering designed to meet all your needs. When our drive collects you, you are in entirely safe hands. We take care of everything for you, assigning a personal concierge to each patient.

If you are dissatisfied with your primary bariatric procedure or experiencing complications, do something about it. Our expert team can address issues resulting from gastric sleeve, lap band, or gastric bypass surgery and ensure you get the results that you had hoped for. Call (619) 738-2144 (toll-free) or schedule a free virtual consultation online.

 

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