Revision Bariatric Surgery
Revision bariatric surgery may be recommended when a previous weight loss procedure has not achieved the desired results, or when symptoms such as reflux or weight regain develop over time.
In addition to gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgery, we offer revision bariatric surgery procedures including lap band removal, lap band revision and gastric sleeve revision.
Available revision surgery offered at BodyFree may include a revision from lap band to gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, or revision from gastric sleeve to gastric bypass or SADI.
Revision Bariatric Surgery at a Glance
Procedure: Revision Bariatric Surgery
Surgery time: Varies depending on the type of revision procedure
Hospital stay: 1–2 nights
Weight loss: Varies depending on the original procedure and revision type
Purpose: Correct or improve results from previous weight loss surgery, and to treat symptoms that may develop over time following a primary procedure, including reflux.
Eligibility: Patients who have had previous bariatric surgery and require further treatment
If you are considering a lap band removal or gastric sleeve revision, read on to learn about our treatments and how you could benefit from calling BodyFree on 02 9565 5505 for a chat or to schedule a consult.
About revision surgery
Revision Bariatric Surgery – Gastric Sleeve Revision, Lap Band Removal, Lap Band Revision Surgery
Revision Bariatric Surgery is sometimes recommended when a previous weight loss procedure needs adjustment or further treatment.
Have you previously had weight loss surgery?
Patients considering revision surgery may previously have undergone gastric sleeve surgery, gastric band, ESG, single loop gastric bypass and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Some patients may have had a previous intragastric balloon (Orbera) and are looking for more sustainable weight loss solutions.
Common reasons for revision surgery include inadequate weight loss, weight regain, reflux symptoms, or complications from a previous procedure. The post-surgery goal is for you to feel happy, healthy and in control of your weight.
Revision surgery may involve conversion to gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, depending on your previous procedure and clinical needs.
Positive Long term Results with Revision
We consistently see positive long-term results from our gastric band removals with revision to gastric sleeve or gastric bypass and gastric sleeve to gastric bypass revisions, which is why the BodyFree surgical staff are always happy to explore patient suitability of the surgery.
A comprehensive consultation is required to determine the safest and most appropriate revision approach.
The BodyFree team is available to chat. Let’s discuss your circumstances and explore the solution that’s right for you.
Is Revision Surgery for me?
BodyFree offers lap band removal also known as gastric band removal in Sydney, with or without a revision procedure. We also offer revision bariatric surgery procedures for patients who have had a previous gastric balloon, ESG or gastric sleeve (gastric sleeve revision) procedure.
Excellent results have also been achieved for gastric sleeve revision procedures. gastric sleeve bariatric revision surgery may be required if desired weight loss has not been achieved, there has been weight regain – or in some cases the patient experiences post-operative reflux symptoms that may be resolved by performing a gastric sleeve revision bariatric surgery to gastric bypass.
To discover which procedure will help you achieve the best weight loss and health results, detailed surgical and dietitian consults will be required. Our surgeons may also request or perform investigative procedures in order to carefully check your stomach prior to deciding on any surgical plan.
Our bariatric specialist surgeon, Dr David Joseph, can assess your previous procedure and help determine the safest and most effective revision option. Call 02 9565 5505 to book your confidential consultation.
common bariatric Revision questions
Revision Bariatric Surgery FAQs
What is a Lap Band Removal?
Gastric Band Removal, also known as Lap Band Removal, is the surgical removal of a Lap Band device inserted as part of a standard Gastric Band surgery procedure. In addition, scar tissue is removed during the procedure and normal stomach anatomy is restored.
The initial Lap Band surgery is designed to help patients lose weight by restricting food intake. The Gastric Band creates a narrowing of the stomach that limits how much food you can eat and the level of hunger you experience.
During the Gastric Band Removal, your BodyFree bariatric surgeon will also remove the port and tube, remove internal scar tissue and restore normal anatomy. The incisions your doctor makes are small and should heal quickly.
Who Needs Lap Band Removal?
Gastric Band Removal may be required for a variety of reasons. Perhaps the band didn’t work as well as expected, and you’re seeking a better solution. For some patients, the Gastric Band needs to be removed because it has shifted, aged or perhaps even caused erosion of the stomach. In some cases, patients have achieved a healthy weight and simply no longer need it.
Will I need any further Weight Loss Surgery (Revision Bariatric Surgery) following Lap Band Removal?
Following Lap Band Removal, it is very common for patients to need or decide to have a Gastric Sleeve or Gastric Bypass procedure (known as Revision Bariatric Surgery). Following Lap Band Removal it is common for weight re-gain to occur with the stomach returning to its normal size without any restriction.
Every patient is different, your BodyFree surgeon will discuss your options with you during a consult in order to determine your long term weight loss or weight maintenance goals and may recommend revision bariatric surgery.
If a revision procedure, either Gastric Sleeve or Gastric Bypass, is recommended or requested by the patient, this revision procedure can most often be performed at the same time as the Gastric Band Removal. This means you will not need to plan for two surgery dates.
What is the Lap Band Removal cost?
BodyFree offers Lap Band Removal surgery for patients with private health insurance for a fixed fee of $3,200. Please be aware that you may also need to pay a hospital excess upon admission as directed by your private health insurer. This excess is not included in our fee.
We also offer Lap Band Removal to patients with Medicare but without private health insurance. We offer fixed-fee solutions that include the same care that is provided to insured patients.
Our Lap Band Removal fixed fees include:
- Surgical consultations
- Lap Band Removal Surgery (including the removal of Lap Band and scar tissue, and restoration of normal stomach anatomy)
- Anaesthesia
- Surgical Assistant
- 1 Night Hospital Stay
- Post Operative follow-up at the BodyFree Clinic, Sydney or via telehealth for a small additional fee
How long does a Lap Band Removal take?
The entire Lap Band Removal procedure takes one to one and a half hours to complete. It is completed under general anaesthetic, using laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, the recovery process is quick and simple. You will spend one night in hospital following the procedure.
Your surgeon (along with the clinic team) are available to assist with your recovery following Lap Band Removal aiming to get you back to your regular routine as soon as safely possible.
We find that, on average, the recovery process and return to regular life take just 1-3 weeks.
What are the reasons for Lap Band Removal?
Lap Band Removal is appropriate when a patient’s Lap Band has corroded, slipped or moved. Band erosion occurs when the band grows into the stomach and stops working in the way that it should.
In rare cases of complications, the band may not be successful and need to be removed. This can include an infection that proves resistant to antibiotics.
Some patients experience an adverse reaction to the Lap Band, including excessive nausea, vomiting and pain. If these symptoms persist, then a Lap Band Removal may be appropriate.
Our Bariatric Surgery team will provide expert medical advice and assistance. Dr David Joseph and Dr Robert Gandy are experts in the field and will provide informed direction on Lap Band Removal and possible Revision Procedure.
If you believe that you have a reason to consider the removal of your Lap Band, then we encourage you to contact our team today to book a consultation.
Will my insurance cover Lap Band Removal?
We recommend you contact your health insurance provider in order to check your level of cover. The Lap Band Removal item number is 31584. Please quote this number to your health fund.
If you are covered, this will ensure that your out of pocket cost for Lap Band Removal will be $3,200.
Please contact us to enquire about our fixed fee options if you are not covered by your Health Insurance Provider.
Will I regain weight after Lap Band Removal?
After Lap Band Removal surgery, it is common for patients to experience some initial hunger and weight gain.
Removal of a Lap Band leads to loss of restriction of the stomach. This allows for the ability to eat larger amounts of food and for feelings of hunger to return. Depending on your circumstances and weight goals, your surgeon may discuss the possibility of a revision surgery with you, Gastric Sleeve or Gastric Bypass. Should you decide this is right for you the BodyFree team will be happy to help. Alternatively, you may decide to work with a dietitian to manage your weight following Lap Band Removal.
Our experts will give you helpful advice on how you can effectively return to everyday life and recommend steps to help you to maintain weight loss or achieve your health goals.
Can you redo my Gastric Sleeve?
We do not recommend a re-sleeve procedure as it is very unlikely that you will achieve the desired weight loss results as when your Gastric Sleeve was performed. The most commonly performed revision bariatric surgery performed following Gastric Sleeve is to convert to a Gastric Bypass (either a Single Loop Gastric Bypass or Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass). If patient concerns are weight regain and/or reflux symptoms this procedure is the most appropriate.
Why are the costs for Revision Bariatric Surgery higher than my first surgery?
Revision surgery is more complex and often requires additional pre-operative investigations, longer operating time and a more experience and skill to look after you. As a result the costs associated with caring for these patients are higher.
What are the item numbers for Revision Bariatric Surgery?
If you would like to check your level of cover with your private health insurer, the item number to enquire about is 31584.
What other Weight Loss procedures are available?
Patients considering revision bariatric surgery often previously had another weight loss procedure. Understanding the different types of bariatric surgery can help determine the most appropriate revision approach.
Revision Bariatric Surgery may be recommended when a previous procedure requires correction, conversion, or additional treatment.
- Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy) reduces stomach size and may be used as a primary procedure or following gastric band removal.
Single Loop Gastric Bypass is sometimes performed as a revision procedure to improve weight loss outcomes or treat reflux.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is another common revision option following earlier bariatric surgery.
Your bariatric surgeon, Dr David Joseph, will recommend the most appropriate procedure after assessing your health, BMI, and previous surgical history.
All procedures are performed by specialist bariatric surgeon Dr David Joseph (FRACS).
Learn more about your weight loss surgery options and which procedure may be most suitable for you.
Considering Revision Bariatric Surgery?
If you are considering Revision Bariatric Surgery in Sydney, our bariatric specialist surgeon, Dr David Joseph, can assess your previous procedure and recommend the most appropriate treatment options. Revision surgery may be performed after gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass surgery, or other weight loss surgery procedures when further treatment is required.
A comprehensive consultation helps determine the safest and most effective surgical plan based on your previous surgery, medical history, and long-term weight management goals.
