A patient may have undergone gastric bypass surgery after consulting a bariatric surgeon to remedy being unable to lose weight through more traditional means. Even if that patient has followed all recommendations from their surgeon, as well as are aware of the life changes that may occur following their procedure, they may be experiencing uncomfortable or serious complications as a result of their gastric bypass surgery.
In these instances, gastric bypass reversal surgery may be considered. However, patients will need to fully understand what a gastric bypass reversal surgery is and be equipped to manage their expectations. Only a qualified bariatric surgeon can determine whether or not gastric bypass reversal surgery is right for you and your needs.
Potential reasons to reverse gastric bypass could include severe malnutrition, ulcers, or chronic dumping syndrome. It’s important to discuss gastric bypass reversal recovery time, the cost, and possible complications with your surgeon. The reversibility of a gastric bypass depends on individual circumstances and the original surgery’s specifics. If you’re questioning, “Can my gastric bypass be reversed?” or “Is gastric bypass reversible?” you should seek a professional consultation for a detailed evaluation.
Renew Bariatrics provides comprehensive care for those seeking information about gastric bypass reversal. While we focus on the latest bariatric procedures, our expert surgeons can evaluate your unique situation and discuss potential reversal options, ensuring you understand the implications, including the recovery and costs associated with gastric bypass reversal.
Those considering a reversal should be aware of the gastric bypass reversal cost, the recovery time, and the potential complications associated with reversing gastric bypass. If you’re pondering, “Can you reverse a gastric bypass?” or “Is gastric bypass reversible?” it’s crucial to consult with a bariatric surgeon who can assess your individual situation and discuss the reasons to reverse gastric bypass. They can offer insight into the process of an RNY reversal and help you understand if your gastric bypass can be reversed safely.
At Renew Bariatrics, we understand that each patient’s journey is different. If you’re experiencing complications after gastric bypass surgery and wondering, “Can my gastric bypass be reversed?” our team is here to provide detailed assessments, discussing the gastric bypass reversal cost, recovery expectations, and the feasibility of a safe reversal for your individual health circumstances.
How much Gastric Bypass Reversal or Revision Surgery Cost?
The cost of gastric bypass reversal can range from $25,000 to $47,000 in the US. The same procedure in Mexico can range from $6,000 to $9,000.
Bariatric surgery costs in Mexico is typically less expensive than in the US or Canada, especially if you’re not going to using insurance. Even with insurance though, the deductible can extremely costly and prohibitive.
What is a gastric bypass reversal like?
The reversal process returns the stomach and intestines back to their original placement. Due to the placement going back to how it was before, many patients may experience weight gain following the procedure. Gastric bypass reversal may also lead to the development of other issues, such as obesity-related illnesses.
When should I consider gastric bypass reversal?
Prior to your gastric bypass surgery, your surgeon will have informed you of the possible complications surrounding gastric bypass procedures. They will also help you with a care guide, postoperative instructions, and assist you with addressing any concerns. However, some patients experience significant side effects that may impact their quality of life more than others who have undergone the procedure. In these instances, gastric bypass reversal may be considered.
Gastric bypass reversal may be recommended if a patient is experiencing:
- Malnutrition. If the patient is struggling to absorb vitamins and minerals, even after recommended supplements, they may eventually develop malnutrition. If they are not able to sustain absorption, malnutrition can cause other health issues.
- Food intolerances. Some patients may experience severe food intolerances that prevent them from eating certain foods or certain types of foods, such as the prolonged inability to eat solid foods.
- Prolonged nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. While these are common side effects that patients may experience in the weeks following their gastric bypass procedure, some patients may experience prolonged nausea, vomiting, and pain. If these side effects remain and cause disruptions in that patient’s quality of life, then they may want to reassess their needs with their surgeon.
- Metabolic issues. Some patients may experience issues with their metabolic processes, such as the development of erratic blood sugar levels. This includes the development of postprandial hypoglycemia after gastric bypass surgery. Symptoms may include dizziness, fatigue, and even seizures.
- Dumping syndrome. Due to rapid gastric emptying, a patient may experience symptoms of dumping syndrome. When patients are experiencing this syndrome, their food is not being completely digested before moving on to their small intestine. This results in symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea.
- Ulcers or hernias. Patients that develop ulcers and hernias frequently may be uncomfortable. Ulcers and hernias can sometimes lead to the need for emergency care.
While some symptoms cannot be avoided, you can prepare yourself for what life may look like for you following a gastric bypass surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with educational material, resources, and instructions to help you make an informed decision regarding your health. When you are considering a gastric bypass procedure, you will also want to make sure that you are following all preoperative and postoperative care guides. This could help you avoid any unwanted side effects that may persist and affect your day to day life.
Risks of Gastric Bypass Reversal Surgery
As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks that come along with it. Your surgeon will discuss your individual risk level directly with you, as they will have assessed your current health and any previous medical issues. Due to the reversal surgery being the second surgery in the same location, the surgeon will be managing more complexities than the first surgical procedure. This means the risk for leaks, bleeding, and scar formation may be elevated.
Gastric Bypass Reversal Statistics
According to a study published in Indications and Operative Outcomes of Gastric Bypass Reversal which studied 50 patients, 77.8% of patients had resolution of anatomical issues and 100% had resolution of malnutrition following their gastric bypass reversal procedure. From this same study, the patients mean hospital stay was 8.4 days and there were no perioperative deaths in the 30 days following the reversal procedure.
According to a study compiled by the National Library of Medicine which included 100 eligible patients, the most common reasons for gastric bypass reversal was malnutrition, severe dumping syndrome, postprandial hypoglycemia, and excessive weight loss. Malnutrition was the most frequently chosen choice at 12.3%. In this same study, the most commonly reported post reversal event was weight regain, which was 28.8% of patients. There was no reported mortality. As part of this same study, techniques for reversal surgery were observed. Gastrogastrostomy was available for 42 patients with 67.4% having the hand-sewn technique. The linear staple method was utilized for 23.2% of patients and procedures done endoscopically were completed in 6.9% of patients.
According to the Division of Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery and Duke University Health System, the rate of revisional bariatric surgeries performed in the United States increased from 6% to 16.7%. The study also reported that malnutrition is the most common reason for gastric bypass reversal. The study also reported that gastric bypass reversal surgery comes with a significant risk of complications and may require a multidisciplinary team.
According to Penn Medicine Princeton Health, gastric bypass surgery is considered reversible but the operation is of the same or a greater magnitude than the original gastric bypass procedure.
Conclusion
If you’re still interested in reversing your gastric bypass procedure, you make want to look at gastric bypass revisional surgery as an option. There are many reasons to reverse your gastric bypass surgery but it’s important to know that any reversal surgery is going to more risky surgically than any standard bariatric procedure.
Please contact our team if you’d like additional information on the gastric bypass reversal procedure and your surgical options, or apply for bariatric surgery.