Gastric sleeve surgery offers effective weight loss and long-term benefits for many patients, but some patients may experience weight regain, inadequate weight loss, or severe acid reflux after surgery. For those patients, a Gastric Sleeve to Bypass Revision can be a safe and effective solution with optimal results. Dr. Will Johnson is an expert bariatric surgeon in Georgia who specializes in advanced bariatric procedures, including gastric sleeve to bypass revision, improving patients’ quality of life, and helping them to achieve lasting results.
In the United States, Sleeve gastrectomy is the most common bariatric procedure, representing approximately 58.1% of all weight-loss surgeries. About 9.8% of patients who undergo sleeve gastrectomy may require a revision surgery due to inadequate weight loss, weight regain, GERD, nutritional deficiencies, or other complications. After a gastric sleeve revision to bypass, patients can expect to achieve an excess weight loss of 61% to 90% within one year.
A gastric sleeve to bypass revision is a type of revisional bariatric surgery that converts a gastric sleeve procedure to a gastric bypass due to inadequate weight loss, weight regain, or severe gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). During revision surgery, the original sleeve is either made smaller or removed, and a new, smaller pouch is created. A segment of the small intestine is then rerouted to bypass part of the digestive tract. With revision, calories and nutrients can be absorbed, as well as alter the route of digestive juices to help alleviate reflux symptoms.
Reasons for Considering Revision Surgery
Here are some of the key reasons for considering revision surgery:
Here are some of the key benefits of revision surgery, some of which include the following:
Improved Weight Loss & Management: A gastric bypass procedure introduces a malabsorptive element to a gastric sleeve, helping to prevent weight regain and increase weight loss due to limited caloric absorption.
Reduced Acid Reflux (GERD): The revision can significantly eliminate or improve acid reflux, a common concern associated with the gastric sleeve, by altering the connection between the stomach and small intestine.
Improved Weight-Related Comorbidities: Greater weight loss leads most patients to improvement or resolution of obesity-related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.
A “Second Chance” at Weight Loss: For patients who have regained weight or stopped losing weight with their sleeve, this revision provides a new opportunity to continue their journey to better health and weight loss.
Improved Metabolic Health: Patients may also experience metabolic improvements from the bypass procedure, such as improved cholesterol or better blood sugar control.
Improved Quality of Life: Patients report feeling more energetic, experiencing improved physical movement, and a renewed sense of hope, all of which enable them to participate more fully in their daily lives with an enhanced quality of life.
Recovery from a revision surgery may take one to two weeks longer than from other bariatric surgeries. Still, with proper care, most patients can return to their regular routines within a few weeks.
Hospital Stay: 2 to 3 days, depending on the patient’s post-operative situation and overall health status.
Diet: Patients move from liquids to soft foods, and then to a balanced diet with portion control.
Lifestyle: Maintaining continued exercise and healthy eating habits is crucial to the long-term success of any bariatric procedure.
Follow-up care: Dr. Johnson will remain available for follow-up care after surgery. He provides nutritional counseling, medical management, and follow-up visits to track your progress.
In Georgia, the average cost for a gastric sleeve-to-bypass revision typically ranges from $20,000 to $35,000. Still, it varies widely based on the complexity of the case, the facility, the specific surgeon, and the inclusion of pre- and post-operative care.
Factors Influencing the Total Cost
Financing