Revision bariatric surgery: converting a sleeve to a bypass
Two reasons justify it: severe reflux and insufficient weight loss with a documented behavioural effort behind it.
Reason one: reflux that will not settle
A minority of sleeve patients develop reflux that medication cannot control, and continued acid exposure risks damage to the oesophagus. Conversion to bypass is the definitive treatment and usually resolves it.
Reason two: insufficient loss
Where a patient has genuinely followed the programme, attended follow-up and still not achieved meaningful loss, conversion can help. Where follow-up was never attended, revision surgery usually repeats the outcome, which is why we ask for the history honestly.
What revision involves
Longer operating time, higher complication rates than the primary operation, and a more demanding recovery. It is a bigger undertaking than the first surgery, not a simple adjustment.
The alternative first
Endoscopic assessment, dietitian re-engagement, GLP-1 therapy and behavioural support resolve a substantial proportion of cases without further surgery. We work through those before booking a theatre.
The Ones People Actually Ask.
Can you revise surgery done in another country?
Yes, with the operative report and current endoscopy. Without documentation of the original procedure, we start with imaging.
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What Stands Behind The Plan.
