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Procedure · Revision

Revision surgery

A second weight loss operation: when it's needed, what's involved and how to approach it.

The short answer

Revision surgery is a second operation after a sleeve, bypass or band. The common reasons are acid reflux after a sleeve, weight regain, or problems with a band. The usual operations are converting a sleeve to a bypass and removing a band, often with a sleeve or bypass at the same time. Revisions are more complex than first operations, so they're quoted case by case after tests.

  • Sleeve to bypassthe most common conversion
  • Refluxa main reason
  • Case by casepriced after tests
  • Higher riskthan a first operation

Free check · about a minute

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See where your BMI sits against the usual criteria, what it costs in Ireland and what the HSE, insurance and tax relief can do. A surgeon always makes the final call.

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One Irish clinic gets your enquiry, nobody else. They contact you to arrange a consultation with a surgeon. Nothing is booked unless you say yes.

Thank you

Your enquiry is on its way to one Irish clinic. Here's what happens next:

  1. Today. We pass your answers to one clinic whose bariatric surgeons are on the Medical Council's Specialist Register. No one else gets them.
  2. Usually within two working days. The clinic rings or texts you to arrange a first consultation.
  3. At the consultation. A surgeon and the team assess you, explain your options and give you a written quote. Nothing is booked unless you say yes.

Changed your mind? Email hello@gastricsleeve.ie and we'll delete your enquiry and tell the clinic.

Why people need a revision

  • Acid reflux after a sleeve. One NHS bariatric unit notes that a sleeve may worsen acid reflux. If medicine doesn't control it, converting to a bypass usually helps.
  • Weight regain. The HSE says some regain after 12 to 18 months is common and isn't failure. A revision is for regain that's large and lasting, after the dietitian and psychology side has been looked at properly.
  • Band problems. Slipping, erosion, vomiting or poor results. More on bands.
  • Complications after surgery abroad. Some people come home with problems and no records. A surgeon here can assess you with scans and a camera test.
A surgeon in a cap and mask looking down

The assessment

Expect a camera test (gastroscopy), often a scan or a swallow X-ray, blood tests for vitamins and minerals, and time with the dietitian and psychologist. Bring any records you have of the first operation, especially if it was done abroad.

Risks

Revisions mean operating through scar tissue, so they take longer and carry a higher risk of leaks and other complications than a first operation. That's the honest reason to treat a revision as a considered decision, not a quick fix for a plateau.

Recovery and results

Recovery is usually similar to a first operation, sometimes with a longer stay. Results depend on the reason: reflux usually improves after a sleeve is converted to a bypass, and weight loss after a revision for regain is usually smaller than after a first operation. A good team will tell you plainly what to expect for you.

Who it isn't for

A revision isn't the first answer to normal regain after 12 to 18 months, or to regain that hasn't had a proper look from the dietitian and psychologist. Smoking, and anything that makes surgery unsafe, rule it out until they're dealt with.

Cost and insurance

Revisions are priced case by case after your assessment. Some insurers cover them under the same bariatric rules as a first operation, with pre-approval. Tax relief at 20% applies to what you pay yourself.

Questions people ask

Can a sleeve be redone?

A sleeve can be converted to a bypass, which is the most common revision. Re-sleeving is done occasionally. Your surgeon will explain which suits you.

I had my sleeve in Turkey. Can I get follow-up in Ireland?

Yes. Your GP can refer you, or you can see a bariatric surgeon privately. Bring every record you have: the discharge summary, the operation note and any scans.

Read next

Gastric bypassThe Roux-en-Y bypassGastric bandHow a band works, why it fell out of useTurkey vs IrelandA fair comparison

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