Weight Loss Revision Surgery
If you’ve had weight loss surgery in the past but aren’t seeing the results you hoped for—or are now facing new challenges—you’re not alone. At St. Louis Bariatrics, we specialize in revisional bariatric surgery for patients who previously underwent LAP-BAND® or gastric sleeve procedures. Whether your original surgery led to complications, weight regain, or stalled progress, we offer surgical solutions designed to help you move forward with confidence.
- Weight Loss Revision Surgery Options
- LAP-BAND to Gastric Sleeve Revision
- Reasons You Might Pursue LAP-BAND Revision Surgery
- Who Is a Candidate for LAP-BAND Revision Surgery?
- What to Expect from LAP-BAND Revision Surgery
- Recovery After LAP-BAND Revision
- Gastric Sleeve to Gastric Bypass Revision
- Reasons You Might Pursue Gastric Sleeve Revision
- Who Is a Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Revision Surgery?
- What to Expect from Gastric Sleeve Revision Surgery
- Recovery After Sleeve to Bypass Revision
- Frequently Asked Questions About Revision Surgery
Revision Surgery Options at St. Louis Bariatrics
Our practice offers three types of revisional weight loss procedures:
- LAP-BAND Removal
- LAP-BAND to Gastric Sleeve Revision
- Gastric Sleeve to Gastric Bypass Revision
Each revision is tailored to your individual anatomy, health concerns, and weight loss goals. Dr. Jay Snow and the St. Louis Bariatrics team are highly experienced in these complex procedures and are here to support you every step of the way.
LAP-BAND® Removal (Without Revision)
For some patients, the best next step is to remove the gastric band entirely without moving on to another bariatric procedure.
This may be recommended when the band causes discomfort, chronic reflux, swallowing difficulties, or other complications, and when additional weight-loss surgery isn’t desired.
During a stand-alone removal, Dr. Snow:
- Laparoscopically removes the band and port
- Releases scar tissue and checks stomach health
- Provides guidance for long-term nutrition and weight management
Recovery at a Glance
- Same-day discharge for most patients
- Liquid-to-soft-food diet over the first week
- Return to normal activity within several days and full healing in about 4–6 weeks
If you later decide on a different bariatric procedure, the stomach typically heals well enough to allow future surgery.
LAP-BAND to Gastric Sleeve Revision
If you previously had LAP-BAND surgery and are experiencing complications or poor results, converting to a gastric sleeve may offer a more reliable and effective path to weight loss. This revision procedure involves removing the gastric band and creating a sleeve-shaped stomach to reduce food intake and hunger signals.
Reasons You Might Pursue LAP-BAND Revision Surgery
Many LAP-BAND patients experience issues over time, including:
- Band slippage or prolapse
- Band erosion
- Subcutaneous port site pain
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty eating certain foods
- Acid reflux or heartburn
- Inadequate or short-term weight loss
- Weight regain
Removing the band and converting to a gastric sleeve addresses these issues while offering a proven, long-term weight loss solution.
Who Is a Candidate for LAP-BAND Revision Surgery?
You may be a candidate for this revision if you:
- Have a history of band-related complications
- Did not achieve significant or sustained weight loss with your LAP-BAND ®
- Are in good overall health and able to undergo another bariatric procedure
- Are committed to post-surgical dietary and lifestyle changes
A full evaluation—including a review of your surgical history, current symptoms, and diagnostic imaging—will determine if this option is right for you.
What to Expect from LAP-BAND Revision Surgery
This procedure is typically performed laparoscopically. Dr. Snow will:
- Remove the LAP-BAND and any surrounding scar tissue
- Reshape the stomach into a sleeve using surgical staples
- Verify the integrity of the new sleeve
Recovery After LAP-BAND Removal
Most patients go home the same day after band removal. Because the sleeve procedure is performed at a later date, you’ll focus first on healing from the removal itself.
Common recovery milestones include:
- Returning to light activities within 5–7 days
- Resuming work in 1–2 weeks
- Full healing within 4–6 weeks
During this period, Dr. Snow and the care team provide nutritional guidance and follow-up visits to monitor your progress and determine the ideal timing for your sleeve procedure.
Recovery After Subsequent Revision to Sleeve
When you and Dr. Snow decide the stomach has healed sufficiently, the second stage—sleeve gastrectomy—is scheduled.
Following this surgery, most patients stay one night in the hospital. Your diet is then gradually advanced from liquids to regular foods over about 4 weeks.
Typical recovery highlights:
- Returning to light activities within 5–7 days
- Resuming work in 1–2 weeks
- Full healing within 4–6 weeks
The team continues close follow-up with nutritional counseling, imaging as needed, and long-term support for weight-loss success.
Gastric Sleeve to Gastric Bypass Revision
Some patients who initially lost weight with gastric sleeve surgery later experience complications or weight regain. For those struggling with reflux, plateaued weight loss, or metabolic challenges, converting to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass can provide enhanced results.
Reasons You Might Pursue Gastric Sleeve Revision
This revision may be considered if you:
- Developed severe or chronic acid reflux (GERD) after your sleeve
- Experienced insufficient weight loss or weight regain
- Are facing complications related to sleeve anatomy or scar tissue
- Need improved control over appetite and metabolism
By bypassing a portion of the stomach and small intestine, gastric bypass changes how your body processes food—leading to more effective weight loss and symptom relief.
Who Is a Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Revision Surgery?
You may be a good candidate for sleeve to bypass revision if you:
- Are in generally good health with no major surgical risks
- Are experiencing significant GERD or persistent weight-related issues
- Have tried non-surgical options without success
- Are committed to long-term dietary and lifestyle changes
Dr. Snow will conduct a thorough consultation, including imaging and nutritional assessments, to determine your suitability.
What to Expect from Gastric Sleeve Revision Surgery
Gastric sleeve to bypass conversion is performed laparoscopically and includes:
- Creating a small stomach pouch from the existing sleeve
- Connecting the pouch to a lower section of the small intestine
- Rerouting digestion to reduce absorption of calories and nutrients
The surgery takes approximately 2–3 hours and is performed under general anesthesia.
Recovery After Sleeve to Bypass Revision
You can expect a short hospital stay (usually one night) and a gradual return to normal activities. Recovery highlights include:
- Liquids and soft foods over the first three weeks
- Return to work in 1–2 weeks
- Full physical recovery in 4–6 weeks
Ongoing follow-up visits, nutritional counseling, and support are key parts of your long-term success.
Patient Results
Frequently Asked Questions About Revision Surgery
How common is revision bariatric surgery?
Revision surgery is becoming more common as long-term outcomes for older procedures like LAP-BAND are better understood. Many patients seek revision due to complications or unsatisfactory results from their original procedure.
Is revision surgery riskier than a first-time procedure?
Revisional procedures can be more complex due to scar tissue and changes in anatomy. However, when performed by an experienced bariatric surgeon, risks are minimized, and outcomes are typically very good.
Will insurance cover my revision surgery?
Coverage varies by insurance provider and policy. Our team can assist you in checking your benefits and submitting the required documentation for prior authorization.
How much weight can I expect to lose after revision surgery?
Weight loss after revision depends on the type of revision and your commitment to post-op guidelines. Many patients experience significant and sustained results, especially after converting to bypass.
What kind of support is available after surgery?
At St. Louis Bariatrics, we provide long-term follow-up care, nutritional counseling, and education to help you stay on track and achieve your goals.
Take the Next Step with St. Louis Bariatrics
If your previous weight loss surgery didn’t deliver the results you hoped for—or if you’re facing complications—we’re here to help. With expertise in both band to sleeve and sleeve to bypass revision procedures, Dr. Snow and the team at St. Louis Bariatrics can help you reclaim control of your health.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about your options for weight loss revision surgery in St. Louis.
