Revisional Bariatric Surgery
A second weight loss operation to address inadequate weight loss or weight regain after initial bariatric surgery.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
Revisional bariatric surgery is a second weight loss operation performed when the first one doesn't produce enough weight loss, or when weight is regained years after the initial procedure. It may convert a previous surgery to a different type — for example, turning an adjustable gastric band into a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass — to restore or improve weight loss results.
Medical
Clinical Definition
Revisional bariatric surgery refers to a secondary or conversion procedure performed on patients with inadequate weight loss (defined as less than 50% excess weight loss at 18 months) or significant weight regain (more than 25% of lost weight) after primary bariatric surgery. Common conversions include laparoscopic adjustable gastric band to sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve to gastric bypass, and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to distal bypass or biliopancreatic diversion. Revisional procedures carry higher complication rates (5–15%) compared to primary surgery.
Key Insight
Why It Matters
Weight regain after bariatric surgery is more common than many patients expect, affecting 20–30% of patients within 10 years. Dr Joseph Wang at Accord Medical evaluates patients with post-surgical weight regain to determine whether revisional surgery or medical management is the most appropriate path forward.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.
