Revision Bariatric Surgery

Q: What qualifies you for revision bariatric surgery?

You may be a candidate for revision surgery if you have experienced significant weight regain after a previous bariatric procedure, your original surgery such as a lap band is causing ongoing complications or is no longer effective, or you had a sleeve gastrectomy and require conversion to a bypass for better outcomes. Dr Ian Martin will assess your full history, current BMI, and health status at your consultation to determine the most appropriate revision option.

Q: Is revision bariatric surgery more complex than the first procedure?

Yes, in most cases. Revision surgery is technically more demanding due to scar tissue (adhesions) from the original operation, altered anatomy, and the need to work around existing surgical changes. This is why it is important to choose a surgeon with extensive experience in revision procedures. Dr Ian Martin has performed complex revision cases for over 20 years.

Q: Is revision surgery safe?

Revision bariatric surgery carries a slightly higher risk than primary first-time procedures due to its greater complexity. However, in the hands of an experienced bariatric surgeon with appropriate pre-operative assessment, it is considered safe, and the risk is well-managed. Dr Ian Martin will discuss your individual risk profile in detail at your consultation.

Q: What is the recovery like after revision surgery?

Recovery from revision bariatric surgery is generally similar to recovery from a primary procedure. Most patients spend one night in hospital and return to light activity within two to three weeks. However, individual recovery times vary depending on the type of revision performed and your overall health. Our team provides comprehensive post-operative support throughout your recovery.

Q: Do you lose weight with revision bariatric surgery?

Yes. Most patients experience meaningful additional weight loss following revision surgery, particularly when converting from a less effective procedure such as a lap band to a sleeve or bypass. Results depend on the type of revision, your starting weight, and your commitment to lifestyle changes post-surgery. Dr Ian Martin will give you realistic expectations based on your individual case.

Q: How do I know if revision surgery is right for me?

The first step is a consultation with Dr Ian Martin to review your surgical history, current weight, health status, and goals. Revision surgery is right for you if your original procedure is no longer providing adequate results or is causing ongoing problems, and if the potential benefits outweigh the additional complexity and risk. Many patients find revision surgery to be life-changing after years of struggling with weight regain.

Sometimes people don’t achieve the results they expected after weight loss surgery. This may include weight regain, ongoing symptoms like reflux, or less weight loss than anticipated.

Revision bariatric surgery is an option in these cases. It allows the original procedure to be reassessed and, where appropriate, adjusted to better support long-term outcomes.

What Is Revision Bariatric Surgery?

Revision bariatric surgery is a secondary procedure after initial weight loss surgery. It may involve:

Modifying the original procedure
Converting one type of surgery to another
Addressing complications or anatomical changes

The approach or type of revision surgery depends on your procedure, health, and treatment goals.

Why Would Revision Bariatric Surgery Be Needed?

Revision weight loss surgery may be recommended for people experiencing:

Weight regain
Inadequate weight loss
Reflux
Changes to the stomach or anatomy

Gastric Band and Sleeve Revision

After a laparoscopic gastric band, patients typically undergo revision bariatric surgery involving removal of the band and conversion to a one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB). This procedure is performed using the same five small incisions and usually requires an overnight stay.

Although revision surgery is more complex due to the previous band, the risks are generally similar to a primary OAGB. Statistically, the rate of staple line leak is around 1%.

Sleeve gastrectomy revision involves converting to a one anastomosis gastric bypass. It’s straightforward and requires a one-night hospital stay. During surgery, the diaphragmatic hiatus may be tightened to help reduce reflux symptoms.

This approach is supported by published clinical research.

Dr Martin has published one of the largest series of revision procedures converting gastric band or sleeve to one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB)¹. His results demonstrate a high level of safety, with most patients able to go home the following day.

Other revision procedures may include:

Conversion of gastric sleeve to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
Revision of previous gastric bypass (e.g., lengthening the bypass for additional weight loss)
Re-sleeve gastrectomy (in selected cases)
Removal of gastric band with conversion to gastric bypass
Management of complications such as reflux or anatomical changes following previous surgery

What Results Can You Expect?

While revision surgery can support weight loss and improve symptoms, results can vary.

Results are influenced by your starting point and previous procedure
Surgery supports weight loss but does not replace long-term lifestyle changes
Ongoing support plays an important role in maintaining results

Patients who have already achieved weight lss from their initial procedure may experience less additional weight loss following revision surgery.

We provide guidance before and after surgery to support sustainable outcomes. Our team ensures you are well informed throughout your journey, so you understand what to expect and when to seek further advice if needed.

Are There Any Complications for Revision Bariatric Surgery?

As with any surgery, there are some risks to consider. These depend on the previous procedure you had, the type of revision being performed, and your health.

Revision bariatric surgery is usually more complex than the initial operation as it involves working with changes that have already occurred in the body. The procedure must be carefully planned and carried out by an experienced team.

Potential complications can include:

Bleeding or infection
Leaks from the staple line
Narrowing in parts of the stomach or bowel
Ongoing or new reflux symptoms
Changes in nutrient absorption

While these risks exist, most patients undergo revision surgery safely and with successful outcomes when appropriately assessed and supported. We take a careful, individual approach to reduce potential risk.

If you’re unsure whether your current results are where they should be, or you’re experiencing symptoms, our team can help you find the solution to suit you. Don’t hesitate to get in touch.

References:

A.Lerch, M.Katneni, and I.Martin, “The Efficacy and Medium-Term Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Conversion From Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Band to One Anastomoses Gastric Bypass: A Cohort Study,” ANZ Journal of Surgery (2026): 1–10, https://doi.org/10.1111/ans.70533.

Frequently Asked Question About Revision Bariatric Surgery

What qualifies you for revision bariatric surgery?

Is revision bariatric surgery more complex than the first procedure?

Is revision surgery safe?

What is the recovery like after revision surgery?

Do you lose weight with revision bariatric surgery?

How do I know if revision surgery is right for me?

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