Many people choose to undergo gastric bypass surgery to help them get their weight and their health under control. Gastric bypass surgery makes major changes to the way your digestive system works, which may be concerning because what if it does not work? Is gastric bypass reversible?
Gastric bypass surgery can be reversed, but doing a reversal is much more complex than the original surgery, and so many surgeons do not recommend it.
What Would It Mean To Reverse A Gastric Bypass?
Gastric bypass surgery involves making the size of your stomach much smaller and rerouting your small intestine, which limits the volume of food you can eat and reduces the number of calories your body has a chance to absorb and use. These two techniques that gastric bypass uses to help promote weight loss are called:
- Restrictive
- Malabsorptive
During a gastric bypass reversal, your surgeon would need to:
- Remove the bypassed connections and reconnect them to as close to their original location as possible.
- Your stomach was divided into two parts during the original surgery, so the surgeon now needs to create a passageway between these two sections. This is done using a gastrogastrostomy, where an opening is made in each section, and then these are stapled together to join both portions of your stomach. This is very complex, and your stomach may not function the way it did before your gastric bypass.
- A “leak” test is done to ensure there are no gaps between the two stomach portions, which can become a life-threatening complication.
A gastric bypass reversal is considered a very complex reconstructive procedure, which will involve going through scar tissue that was created during the first surgery and can take between 3 and 5 hours to complete.
Many surgeons would recommend a revisional surgery rather than a total reversal because it is much less risky and can often resolve the issues that are driving the desire for a reversal.
How Is A Gastric Bypass Reversal Vs. Revision Different?
A gastric bypass reversal is done to return the digestive system to as close to its original state as possible, and a revision is done to repair or make changes to the original surgery to eliminate chronic side effects or improve functionality.
A surgical revision is less complex than a reversal but still carries elevated risks since the surgeon must operate within areas that have been previously altered and may contain scar tissue.
Sometimes, patients may be able to undergo an endoscopic revision to gastric bypass, which can be less invasive but can still effectively make the changes or corrections needed.
Why Do Patients Seek A Gastric Bypass Reversal Or Revision?
Many people have great success after having gastric bypass surgery, but some regret their decision and seek a reversal or revision. Some of the reasons they consider these options include:
- Malnutrition Issues.
- Dumping Syndrome.
- Weight Gain.
- Chronic Side Effects:
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- Vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain.
- Ulcers and hernias.
- Fluctuating blood sugar levels, such as reactive hypoglycemia.
- Severe food intolerances.
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When Would a Doctor Consider a Reversal Of Gastric Bypass?
Most doctors would prefer to perform a revision to a gastric bypass rather than a full reversal due to the complicated nature of the surgery. In certain situations, a reversal may be considered medically necessary to correct serious side effects or complications, including:
- Serious malnutrition.
- Chronic nausea and vomiting.
- Severe and ongoing dumping syndrome.
- Excessive weight loss.
What Are The Risks Of Reversing A Gastric Bypass?
Many patients experience relief from chronic symptoms after a reversal, but this is a complex procedure, and every surgery carries risks. Some risks involved in a gastric bypass reversal may include:
- Bleeding during or after surgery.
- Infection at the incision sites or inside your abdomen.
- Leaks where the stomach or intestines are reconnected.
- Scar tissue that can make reversal surgery more risky.
- Weight Gain.
Qualified bariatric surgeons like Dr. Michael Williams and Dr. Brendon Curtis with the Laparoscopic & Endoscopic Surgery Institute (LESI) in Alpharetta, Georgia, can determine whether a gastric bypass reversal or revision would be appropriate for your circumstances.
What Should I Do If I Regret My Gastric Bypass?
If your gastric bypass surgery has created chronic, ongoing side effects that you are not able to manage on your own, the experts at LESI may be able to help.
The board-certified bariatric surgeons at LESI offer revisional gastric bypass surgery and can review your symptoms and current health and speak with you about the options to get your weight loss journey back on track.
If you are concerned about complications, side effects, or weight gain after gastric bypass surgery and are wondering if revision is an option, set up your consultation today.
FAQs
Can a Revision Correct Issues Like Acid Reflux or Other Complications that Have Occurred After Your First Surgery?
Yes. A revision often can reduce or eliminate issues like GERD, ulcers, enlargement of the pouch and stoma, or other kinds of complications.
Can Gastric Bypass Surgery Be Completely Reversed?
No, gastric bypass surgery usually cannot be completely undone to restore your digestive system exactly as it was before surgery. A reversal surgery can return your stomach and intestines to a more normal configuration, but there are usually changes from the original procedure that are permanent.
Is a Gastric Bypass Easier to Reverse than Gastric Sleeve?
Both gastric bypass and gastric sleeve are considered permanent. Gastric bypass is “technically” reversible but is not commonly done due to its complexity and the elevated risks involved. Gastric sleeve is absolutely irreversible.
How Long Does It Usually Take to Recover from Gastric Bypass Reversal Surgery?
Recovery time after gastric bypass reversal surgery depends on your health and the complexity of your surgery but full recovery can take several months. Some patients are able to return to many of their light daily activities after 3 or 4 weeks but it can take up to 3 months or more before returning to their normal routine.
