Bariatric surgery serves as a powerful weight loss solution for people who have struggled with challenges in shedding and sustaining a healthy weight, despite exhaustive attempts with pills, exercise, and diets. Typically, patients undergoing bariatric procedures experience a remarkable loss of 100% of their excess weight, accompanied by substantial improvement in mobility, self-esteem, and obesity-related health conditions such as type II diabetes and high blood pressure.
Yet, what happens when the desired outcomes aren’t achieved? What if, several years post-surgery, weight regain occurs? And what if obesity-related health conditions persist? Does this mean the end of weight loss possibilities?
Absolutely not! There remain excellent options for individuals who have undergone bariatric procedures to continue in their journey towards their weight loss goals. Enter revision surgery – a transformative option that opens up new avenues for progress and success.
Revision surgery is a follow-up or secondary procedure for patients who have previously had weight loss surgery but have not achieved their desired goals. Unfortunately, a lot of patients who’ve had bariatric surgery decide against going for revision surgery, even when it could really help, all because of the stigma around it. It is so important to emphasize that choosing to undergo revision surgery does not equal personal failure or being an inadequate patient. It’s all about recognizing that sometimes, we just need a little extra support to reach our health goals. Think of revision surgery as an opportunity for extra assistance and a continued commitment to your well-being journey.
That said, when should a patient consider revision surgery?
- Goal weight: You have not reached your goal weight or have experienced weight regain after your initial procedure.
- Side effects: It might be worth thinking about revision surgery if the side effects from your first bariatric procedure, like bothersome acid reflux, are getting in the way of your daily life.
- Persistent health conditions: Despite the initial surgery, certain obesity-related health conditions, such as type II diabetes or high blood pressure, may persist.
- Lifestyle: Changes in lifestyle, including diet and exercise habits, or personal circumstances, may impact the success of the initial bariatric surgery and prompt the need for revision.
- Psychological Factors: Some individuals may struggle with emotional or psychological aspects of weight management, leading to challenges in adhering to the initial surgical outcomes.
At the end of the day, revision surgery is all about tackling any issues and giving you the chance to enhance or bring back your first procedure’s effectiveness. The decision to go for revision surgery is made after careful consideration by healthcare professionals. They evaluate your medical history, your current health status, and any specific challenges you’ve faced since your first bariatric procedure. It’s all about making sure you’re on the right path to your healthiest, happiest self! Let’s eliminate the stigma around revision surgery once and for all!
If you have been considering revision surgery to boost a previous bariatric procedure and continue on your path towards your weight loss goals, contact our team of certified experts for a FREE medical evaluation.
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