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Is Weight Loss Surgery Reversible?

Weight loss surgery is a hot topic. You hear and read about it everywhere-in books, on the radio, on television and in magazines. Those who have had the surgery often talk about how much weigh they have lost and how much better they feel. People of all ages are starting to have these surgeries to help them lose very large amounts of weight. Weight loss surgery has become so popular recently due to the new technology that makes the surgeries safer and reversible. There are still some types of weight loss surgery that are permanent, but with one type, the Lap-Band, the band can be removed at any time.

Why reversing weight loss surgery?

There are three different types of weight loss surgeries.
The new Lap-Band is the only one that is considered reversible. Others can be reversed in extreme conditions, but that is generally not recommend.

There are several reasons why weight loss surgery patients may want their surgery reversed.

  • One reason may be that the surgery is not working. There are a very small percentage of weight loss patients that do not experience weight loss following his or her surgery. In fact, a very small percentage of patients may actually gain weight.
  • Another reason why patient’s may chose to have the surgery reversed is because of pregnancy. While some of the more invasive forms of weight loss surgery do not recommend pregnancy, this can happen. There can be complications if a person cannot have adequate nutritional intake.
  • Also, a patient may wish to reverse their surgery if they find that they are sick.
    Nausea and the “dumping syndrome” are very common following these types of surgeries. Some patients are not able to tolerate feeling sick and may wish that surgery reversed.
Whether or not the surgery can be reversed largely depends on what kind of surgery is done.

The Lap-Band weight loss surgery is the only one that is considered reversible. This is one of the biggest advantages of the Lap-Band. The stomach is not permanently altered during this type of surgery. Instead, a band is placed around the upper portion, which creates a new, smaller stomach. This surgery has the lowest mortality rate and has the lowest operative complication risks. In addition, there is no stapling of the stomach or cutting of the intestines. This surgery is completely adjustable depending on the person’s individual needs and reversible.
With the other types of weight loss surgery, it is much more difficult to reverse the procedure. This is because with these surgeries, the stomach is stapled and cut. The intestines are often re-routed. This is true of the gastric bypass, the Biliopancreatic diversion, and the vertical banded Gastroplasty. Often, these surgeries, which are usually preformed as an open procedure, require more down time and more time for healing and recovery. These surgeries are not adjustable and often have a high risk of complications. In addition, it is very difficult to reverse these types of weight loss surgery and pregnancy is not recommended after these types of surgeries.

>>Lap Band Adjustments in Weight Loss Surgery >>