Considering a gastric sleeve to bypass revision Turkey is a significant decision, often born out of necessity rather than choice. We understand the frustration of facing weight regain after you worked so hard, or the daily misery of severe heartburn that medication cannot control. At Clinic Care Center, we want you to know that needing a revision does not mean you have “failed”; it often means your anatomy requires a different metabolic tool to function correctly.
Why Do You Need a Revision? (Reflux vs. Regain)
There are two primary medical indications for converting a Sleeve to a Bypass:
1. Severe Acid Reflux (GERD): The Gastric Sleeve creates a high-pressure tube. For some patients, this pressure forces acid up into the esophagus, causing chronic pain and potential damage (Barrett’s Esophagus). Converting to a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass creates a low-pressure pouch and diverts bile and acid away from the stomach, effectively curing the reflux. It is the gold standard treatment for this complication.
2. Weight Regain: Over time, the sleeve can naturally stretch (dilate), allowing you to eat larger portions. A revision to Bypass adds a malabsorptive component. By bypassing a portion of the small intestine, your body absorbs fewer calories from the food you eat, kickstarting your weight loss again.
Clinic Care Center: Expert Warning
Revision surgery is not the same as your first surgery. It is technically much more difficult. Your abdomen likely contains adhesions (internal scar tissue) from the first operation, which makes dissecting the stomach harder and increases the operative time. The risk of complications, such as leaks or bleeding, is statistically higher in revision cases. Therefore, this is not a job for a general surgeon; it requires a Bariatric Revision Specialist with extensive experience in complex anatomy.
What Changes? From Sleeve to RNY Bypass
Understanding the shift in your anatomy and lifestyle is crucial before undergoing a second procedure.
| Feature | Current State (Gastric Sleeve) | After Revision (Roux-en-Y Bypass) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Restriction only (Small stomach volume). | Restriction + Malabsorption. (Small pouch + skipped intestine to reduce calorie absorption). |
| Acid Reflux (GERD) | Common side effect due to High Pressure system. | Resolved/Cured. Acid is mechanically diverted away from the esophagus. |
| Vitamin Needs | Standard daily multivitamin usually suffices. | Strict High-Dose Regimen. Risk of Iron, Calcium, and B12 deficiency is significantly higher. |
| Dumping Syndrome | Rare. | Common. Eating sugar or fats rapidly will cause nausea and dizziness (acting as a deterrent). |
Surgery & Recovery: What to Expect
Because this is a complex procedure involving the separation of scar tissue (adhesions), the timeline is stricter than your primary surgery:
- Hospital Stay: You will typically stay in the hospital for 3 to 4 nights. This extended monitoring is vital to ensure the new connections (anastomoses) are water-tight.
- Leak Test: A mandatory Blue Dye Test or CT scan is performed before you are allowed to drink water to confirm there are no leaks.
- Dietary Reset: You must restart the bariatric diet from zero. This means clear liquids for week 1, full liquids for week 2, and purees for week 3.
Frequently Asked Questions about Revision Surgery
Is revision surgery dangerous?
It carries a slightly higher risk profile than a primary surgery due to altered blood supply and scar tissue. However, in the hands of an expert revision surgeon, it is a safe and effective procedure.
Will I lose as much weight as the first time?
Weight loss after revision is typically slower than the initial “honeymoon phase” of the first surgery, but it is steady. The addition of malabsorption helps move the needle when restriction alone has failed.
Can I just re-sleeve the stomach?
If your primary issue is weight regain due to a stretched stomach, re-sleeving is possible. However, if you have any history of reflux, re-sleeving is contraindicated as it will worsen the heartburn. Bypass is the safer long-term option.
Does the price differ from primary surgery?
Yes, revision surgeries are generally more expensive. This reflects the increased surgical time (often 2-3 hours), the need for advanced equipment to cut through scar tissue, and the higher level of surgeon expertise required.
How long does the surgery take?
Depending on the severity of adhesions from your previous surgery, the procedure can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours.
Will my hair fall out again?
Yes, “Telogen Effluvium” (temporary shock loss) is common 3-4 months after any major surgery or rapid weight loss. It is temporary and hair will regrow.
Can I cure my Type 2 Diabetes with revision?
Yes. The Roux-en-Y Bypass has a powerful metabolic effect that is superior to the Sleeve for controlling blood sugar, offering a second chance at remission.
Don’t Live with Reflux or Regret.
You haven’t failed; your anatomy just needs an adjustment. Whether you are suffering from painful reflux or weight stagnation, revision surgery can offer a second chance. Contact Clinic Care Center today for a free evaluation by our Revision Specialists to see if converting to Bypass is your best option.
Also Read:
Gastric Sleeve in Turkey
Gastric Bypass in Istanbul Turkey
Gastric Balloon in Istanbul, Turkey
