Revision Weight-loss Surgery in Mexico

Revision weight loss surgery in Mexico is for people who are either dissatisfied with the results of their original bariatric surgery, have developed some complication(s) because of it, or have regained the weight they had initially shed.

Revision Weight Loss Surgery in Mexico

Revision bariatric surgeries are always more challenging than first-time surgeries. Thus, you must go to a surgeon who is adept at performing such operations.

You may also opt for self-pay bariatric revisions outside of the United States in case you have been denied surgery or you lack insurance coverage. Mexico Bariatric Services can connect you with some of the top surgeons for revision bariatric surgery in Tijuana, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Mexicali, and Guadalajara.

What is a Revision Weight Loss Surgery?

A revision weight loss surgery is a corrective procedure for previously done bariatric surgery. The need for revision arises either due to inadequate weight loss/weight regain or due to the existence of comorbidities after bariatric surgery.

Inadequate Weight Loss or Weight Regain

Sometimes, the primary bariatric surgery results in insufficient weight loss, or the lost weight is later regained. There are multiple reasons for regaining this lost weight, such as:

  • Not making healthy food choices
  • Resistance to a healthier lifestyle
  • Complications in the first surgery, such as lap band slippage, etc.

Existence of Comorbidities

Another reason to opt for revision bariatric surgery is the failure to address certain comorbidities such as T2D (Type 2 Diabetes), sleep apnea, dumping syndrome, gastric reflux, etc. 

What is the Cost of Revision Bariatric Surgery in Mexico?

If you are not satisfied with your primary weight loss surgery results, or it has caused some complications, Mexico Bariatric Services can assist you in coming to a decision on whether a second weight loss surgery is for you or not.

We will try to ascertain the cause of your failed obesity surgery and determine the best path available.

What is a Gastric Sleeve Revision?

Gastric sleeve revision surgery in Mexico aids in reducing weight by limiting the size of the stomach and removal of the hunger-inducing hormone “ghrelin.”

Sometimes, the desired weight loss is not achieved, and there could be several reasons for this, including:

  • The stomach tube may enlarge with time. Due to this, the person starts eating more, which results in insufficient weight loss or even weight regain. 
  • The body gets used to the caloric intake, so the person is not satisfied with small meals and tends to eat more. 

Possible Revisions after Sleeve Gastrectomy

Resleeve surgery in Mexico involves re-sleeving the stomach where the stomach pouch is resized the same way as in the original surgery.

In some cases, a re-sleeve may not be the answer to the problem, and a different type of bariatric procedure may be resorted to, such as:

  • Gastric Sleeve Revision to Duodenal Switch
  • Gastric Sleeve Revision to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
  • Gastric Sleeve Revision to Lap-band
Gastric Sleeve Revision Mexico

Sleeve Gastrectomy Revision to Duodenal Switch

A study[2]PEl Chaar M, Stoltzfus J, Claros L, Miletics M
Indications for Revisions Following 630 Consecutive Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Cases: Experience in a Single Accredited Center.
“conversion to RYBG or BPD/DS may be done safely…”
View in Article
conducted by El Chaar and colleagues affirms that conversion of Gastric Sleeve to BPD/DS may be done safely and successfully.

Sleeve Gastrectomy Revision to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

A small pouch of the stomach is created and directly joins the small intestine. Here, a major portion of the stomach and the duodenum is bypassed. The main objective behind this surgery is to reduce the size of the stomach, along with decreasing the fat absorption due to bypassed duodenum. 

As per a study conducted by Ekua Yorke et al.[3]Yorke E, Sheppard C, Switzer NJ
Revision of sleeve gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Canadian experience.
“273 SGs were performed of which 6.6% (n = 18) …”
View in Article
out of the 273 Sleeve Gastrectomy cases, 6.6% were converted to RYGB due to insufficient weight loss and severe reflux.

The following positive outcomes were reported:

  • Resolution of comorbidities (4 of the 5 diabetic patients were medication-free after the surgery)
  • Resolution of reflux symptoms (75% of patients no longer experienced reflux symptoms)
  • Complete resolution of hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in all the patients.
Gastric Sleeve to Bypass Outcomes

Gastric Bypass Revision

RYGB (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) is the most common surgery performed on morbidly obese patients. Failure to stick with dietary recommendations usually leads to weight regain after a bypass. However, other medical conditions may also call for Gastric Bypass Revision surgery.

There are many ways in which a failed gastric bypass can be revised:

Banded Gastric Bypass

In this type of surgical procedure, a lap band is added to the bypassed stomach. With this, the gastric pouch becomes smaller and it limits the person to eat excessively.

A study [4]Luc Lemmens
Banded Gastric Bypass: Better Long-Term Results? A Cohort Study with Minimum 5-Year Follow-Up.
“At 5 years, the banded group showed more weight loss…”
View in Article
conducted under the guidance of  Lemmens L. is a marked example of a successful banding on gastric bypass. The study divided participants into non-banded and banded GaBP Ring groups.

The findings are as follows:

  • For the first year, not much difference was observed in weight loss in banded and non-banded patients.
  • % excess weight loss (%EWL ) at 5 years for the banded gastric bypass was 74.0% ± 15.1 %.
  • No major complications were reported after banding
Banded Gastric Bypass Excess Weight Loss
  • Basic Characteristics of patients before banding was done
Basic Characteristics Before Banding
Mean pre-operative weight (kg)118.2
Mean BMI (kg/m2)41.9
Mean excess weight (kg)59.3
  • Weight Loss, %EWL, and BMI after banding

The average weight loss and %EWL at 12 months was 44.2 kg and 71.9 % for banded gastric bypass.

Weight Loss
3-12 Months44.2% ± 10.5 kg
24–60 Months43.9% ± 11.9 kg
%EWL
3–12 Months71.9  ± 13.9
24–60 Months65.2 ± 15.1
BMI
0–12 Months26.3 ± 3.5
24–60 Months26.4 ± 3.6

NOTE: A failed gastric bypass is not recommended for conversion into a gastric sleeve surgery as the stomach is already reduced to a small pouch in the former.

Gastric Bypass Conversion to BP Diversion/Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)

A gastric bypass can be converted into a Biliopancreatic Duodenal Switch in order to achieve higher weight loss.

Firstly, the extra portion is removed in the form of a sleeve. The valve that releases food from the stomach to the intestine is left intact along with the duodenum. In the next step, a major portion of the intestine is bypassed.

A BPD/DS surgery can be effective. However, it can cause nutritional and vitamin deficiencies due to reduced absorbed absorption.

LAGB (Lap-Band) Revision

Slipped Lap Band

What is the Need for Lap Band Revision?

Causes%
Port Problem (infection, dislocation)21
Band Slippage25
Pouch Dilatation and Reflux16
Band Erosion5
Weight Gain40
Causes-of-Lap-Band-Revision-Surgery

Possible Revisions After Band Removal

  • Lap Band to Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass (GB)
  • Lap Band to Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG)
  • Lap Band to Biliopancreatic Diversion/Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)
  • Re-Implantation of the Port

Contact our team for best offers in lap band revision Tijuana.

Lap Band Revision Options in Mexico

Revision Bariatric Surgery FAQ

Can a gastric sleeve be redone?

Yes, a gastric sleeve can be successfully redone or revised into a lap band, a Roux-n-Y gastric bypass or a duodenal switch. A re-sleeve can also be done; however, it is very risky and is not recommended.

Is bariatric revision surgery covered by insurance?

Whether the bariatric revision surgery is covered by insurance or not depends on the terms and conditions of the insurance policy. Thus, it would be safe to contact your insurance provider firsthand for more information.

Do I “automatically” qualify for revision surgery after primary bariatric surgery?

No. Weight regain accompanied by other problems such as shortness of breath or fluctuating blood pressure levels may require medical assistance.

What are the outcomes of a revision bariatric surgery?

The outcomes of revision bariatric surgery can vary widely depending on the procedure. Our experienced bariatric surgeons make sure you are comfortable and at ease with the whole development. There are many factors which aid in determining the success of the revision procedures, such as:

  • The outcome of the first surgery
  • Complications to be solved
  • Amount of weight regain (ranging from moderate to excess)
  • Reasons for the unsuccessful first surgery, like bad diet and no exercise routine

What causes Gastric Bypass failure?

Various factors are responsible for gastric bypass failure, such as: 

  • Stretching of the gastric pouch
  • Weight regain from insufficient weight loss
  • Lack of post-op diet and increased intake of calories

How much weight do you lose after gastric bypass revision?

On average, a person loses approximately 60-80% of excess weight in 12-18 months after a gastric bypass revision. However, this may vary from one person to another and how the patient complies with the diet and exercise requirements post-surgery.

How long does bariatric revision surgery take? 

Usually, a normal revision surgery takes a little more time than the time taken by a primary procedure, which is estimated to be 0.4 hours longer. In accordance with that, the average time of hospital stay also increases by 2 days.

However, it depends on the type of surgery and recovery time of the patient, which varies from one person to another.

Factors Impacting the Revision Surgeries Cost

The price of revision bariatric surgeries depends on the following:

  • The kind of revision surgery performed
  • An additional cost of the revision procedure includes the following:
    • Surgical fees
    • Anesthesia fees
    • Pre- and post-op lab work
    • Cost of the material used in surgery

Other factors that vary include the practice location, skills of the bariatric surgeon, and the facilities provided at the hospital facility. Gastric sleeve revision cost is far too less in Mexico as compared to that in the US.

Why Travel to Mexico for Revision Weight Loss Surgery?

Mexico gives you the advantage of getting cheaper procedures, quality services, the opportunity for tourism, and quick appointments as compared to the USA. Moreover, the rates of weight loss revision surgeries are one-third as compared to USA rates. You also get personalized service and access to cutting-edge technology.

Cost-Advantage

Insurance companies are reluctant to pay for bariatric as well as revision procedures, and the huge out-of-pocket expenses in American and Canadian hospitals can be very discouraging for some individuals considering surgery.

In Mexico, the cost of gastric sleeve revision with other revision procedures is quite low. This is why Mexico is the topmost choice for people considering revision bariatric surgeries.

Quality Services

At Mexico Bariatric Services, we have been facilitating trips for weight loss surgery to Mexico for many years now and have hundreds of satisfied clients. We are aware of our client expectations and work only with hospitals capable of meeting the highest standards of patient safety and sterilization.

No Queues

If you are tired of waiting in long queues to see your doctor, you’d be glad to know that in Mexico, you wouldn’t have to. Once we confirm your appointment with the surgeon, and if you arrive at the said time, you will not be made to wait.

Tourism Opportunity

A new place to see and a new culture to experience is always very exciting, provided your health allows so. Of course, we will guide you on the activities you can indulge in but only after we confirm that the doctor has consented to it.

Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT) - Mexico
Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT) – Mexico

 

Access to Cutting-Edge Medical Technology

MBS offers advanced medical tourism services, which are at par with developed nations but at a much lower cost than the United States and Canada.

Personalized Service

At Mexico Bariatric Services, all our International Clients are assigned a Case Manager who will guide you through each and every step of your treatment.

Once you go back home, they will be in close contact with you to make sure you are making the essential progress. Many of our patients have commended the hospitality and care that they have received at the hands of our doctors and staff. Read more about it in our Testimonials Section.

Why Us for Revision Surgery?

Skilled Surgeons and Staff

As a multidisciplinary team, our esteemed surgeons have a collective experience of nearly 20+ years, and some of them have performed more than 1,000 bariatric procedures.

With all this expertise in bariatric surgery, our doctors can precisely recommend the best surgical treatment for you. The MBS team includes:

  • Board-certified surgeons, specialists in minimally invasive surgery and bariatric surgery
  • Certified nurses
  • US-Registered dietitian

International Reputation

Our team has built an international reputation in the field of bariatric and revision surgery. We have to our credit hundreds of patients from the world over.

Comprehensive Approach

Other reasons to choose us for your revision surgery are:

  • We facilitate surgery with hospitals that have state-of-the-art facilities
  • We offer broad revision surgery packages
  • FREE pick-up and drop from Airport/Hotel/Clinic (T and C applied)
  • FREE calls to the US and Canada

Complications after Bariatric Revisional Surgery

On average, nearly 10% of people who undergo a bariatric procedure need revision surgery for either insufficient weight loss or weight regain.

Reasons For Revision Surgery
Complications After Revision Weight Loss Surgery

Tips to Avoid Revision Surgery

Join a Bariatric Surgery Support Group

Post your primary weight loss surgery, you can join a support group to stay motivated and interact with nutritionists and other professionals to stay on track.

MBS offers nutrition counseling by a US-certified bariatric dietitian. In addition to this, we also offer FREE access to bariatric support groups and webinars where you can connect with other WLS  patients.

Small Meal Sizes

Eating less and reducing the portion size is important.

Avoid the following:

  • Do not consume 3 large meals; instead, opt for 5-6 small meals
  • Avoid having snacks in between meal times
  • Eat slowly and STOP when you feel full
  • Most importantly, chew your food properly and do not gulp big chunks of food.

Stay Hydrated

Avoid caffeinated and fizzy drinks as they are high in unnecessary calories and sugar.

Exercise

Bariatric surgery demands changes in lifestyle and regular exercise in your routine.

Make a serious effort towards including exercising in your everyday life after your first bariatric surgery.

Managing Weight After Revision Surgery

If you are looking to get revision weight loss surgery in Mexico, contact us through the form on the right for the best possible options in different Mexican cities.

Fill the quote form for more information on revision surgeries, including lap band to gastric bypass revision in Mexico.

References:
1. Piotr K. Kowalewski, Robert Olszewski, Andrzej P. Kwiatkowski, and Krzysztof Paśnik. Revisional bariatric surgery after failed laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding – a single-center, long-term retrospective study.

2. El Chaar M, Stoltzfus J, Claros L, Miletics M. Indications for Revisions Following 630 Consecutive Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Cases: Experience in a Single Accredited Center.

3. Yorke E, Sheppard C, Switzer NJ, Kim D, de Gara C, Karmali S, Kanji A, Birch D. Revision of sleeve gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Canadian experience.

4. Luc Lemmens. Banded Gastric Bypass: Better Long-Term Results? A Cohort Study with Minimum 5-Year Follow-Up.