Although super-effective, gastric bypass surgery doesn’t always give you the results you were hoping for. Thankfully, there is potential for improvement. Gastric bypass revision procedures are designed to target weight regain, inadequate weight loss, or medical complications. Four primary types of gastric bypass revision surgeries may suit you well. Here we will uncover each option and help you decide to resume your weight loss progress.

1. Gastric Bypass to Gastric Bypass

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) revision begins by inspecting the abdominal cavity to determine if stomach size can be corrected or if gastrointestinal bypass can be elongated. If a smaller stomach pouch is necessary, the surgeon will shrink the stomach with sclerosant injections (sclerotherapy), decreasing food intake. The Roux limb is lengthened, and any leakage (gastric-gastric fistula) is sealed off. Other options, such as Lap-band or BPDS, are shown to be more effective than the Roux-en-Y bypass.

    • Weight Loss Expectations: 20-60%*
    • Candidacy Requirements: 35+ BMI
  • Hospital Stay: 3 Nights
  • Offered by MBC: Yes

2. Gastric Bypass to Duodenal Switch Surgery

Gastric bypass to duodenal switch (BPD/DS) conversion is the most aggressive bariatric procedure and is associated with higher risks. The first step of GBDS conversion is rebuilding the gastric reservoir to create a smaller, pouch-like stomach that promotes satiety. The second stage is duodenal division, creating a connection between the first small intestine and the lower intestine using a stapling technique (duodenoileostomy). This allows food to bypass a portion of the small intestine. The third stage reverses the roux limb, which allows the normal flow of digestive juices and food, restoring a more typical pathway for digestion.

  • Weight Loss Expectations: up to 35-55%*
  • Candidacy Requirements: 40+ BMI
  • Hospital Stay: 3 Nights
  • Offered by MBC: Yes

3. TORe – Transoral Outlet Reduction

Weight regain commonly arises due to the stretching of the gastric outlet or pouch, which connects the gastric pouch to the small intestine. The TORe method utilizes sutures or stitches to tighten the gastric outlet. By reducing the dimensions of the opening, this procedure aids in weight loss by imposing limitations on food intake, thus providing valuable support to individuals in their ongoing journey toward effective weight management.

  • Weight Loss Expectations: 10-25%*
  • Candidacy Requirements: 30+ BMI, 18+ yrs, diameter of gastric outlet 1.5 cm+
  • Hospital Stay: 2-3 nights
  • Offered by MBC: Yes

4. Lap-Band onto RNY Gastric Bypass

The sensation of restriction experienced during the initial gastric bypass can be replicated by applying a Lap Band over the bypass. By adjusting the tightness of the band, it can effectively regulate the stomach’s outlet. This minimally-invasive technique allows patients to feel satisfied with smaller meals and feel full. When conducted on suitable candidates, this can lead to significant weight loss within a few months.

  • Weight Loss Expectations: Up to 30%
  • Candidacy Requirements: 30+ BMI, 18+ yrs
  • Hospital Stay: Some require an overnight stay
  • Offered by MBC: No

Do I need gastric bypass revision surgery?

Peak weight loss is typically reached 12 to 18 months after surgery. Patients regain approximately 30 percent of their lost weight within a decade.

  • Stretched pouch – the stomach pouch has the potential to stretch and expand after eating. The sensation of fullness may be delayed, causing a tendency to consume larger quantities of food and resulting in weight gain.
  • Failure to lose enough weight – this can be due to poor eating habits, not enough exercise, or a result of genetic factors.
  • Medical complications – side effects can impact day-to-day life, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), mal-nutrition, marginal ulcer, hypoglycemia, food intolerance, and dumping syndrome.

Patients can find solutions for inadequate weight loss through techniques such as shrinking the stoma, TORe, Lap-Band, and Duodenal Switch surgery. The key to successful gastric bypass revisions lies in personal diet, exercise, and support from healthcare providers. Taking vitamins is also necessary to ensure the patient has no long-term nutritional deficiencies. By exploring these revision options, patients can enhance their long-term success and improve their quality of life.

Get back on track with MBC!

Mexico Bariatric Center® (MBC) offers professional RNY gastric bypass revisional procedures in Mexico at inexpensive prices.

Click here to apply online.

Related articles: