Revisional Bariatric Surgery
Dr. Donald Fridley and Dr. Loan Mai specialize in Revisional Bariatric Surgery in the Greater Tampa Bay, FL area.
Revisional bariatric surgery refers to a second surgery performed on patients who have previously undergone bariatric (weight-loss) surgery but have not achieved the desired results or have experienced complications. The goal of revisional surgery is to correct issues, enhance weight loss, or address any complications that have arisen after the initial procedure.
Common types of revisional bariatric surgeries include:
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: Reducing the size of the stomach to help control hunger.
- Gastric Bypass: Reconnecting the stomach to a part of the small intestine to limit calorie absorption.
- Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap-Band): Revision or removal of a previous banding procedure.
- Duodenal Switch: A more complex surgery that involves both stomach reduction and rerouting of the intestines.
- Conversion: a Vertical Gastric Sleeve to a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass when necessary, or converting a Vertical Gastric Sleeve to a SADI, or several other customized options tailored to your specific needs or comorbidities.
There are several reasons a person might need revisional bariatric surgery:
- Insufficient Weight Loss: The patient may not have lost enough weight or may have regained the weight after their initial surgery. Decreased pouch and/or stomach size in cases where, over time, they have stretched.
- Complications: Issues like chronic vomiting, ulcers, or bowel obstructions may require another surgery. Fix or replace disrupted staples, band ports, or gastric bands.
- Dietary or Lifestyle Changes: Some patients might struggle to follow dietary restrictions or develop other habits that hinder weight loss.
- Changes in Health: In some cases, changes in health conditions or evolving needs (e.g., difficulty with digestion or malabsorption) could prompt the need for a revision.
The decision for revisional surgery should be carefully considered by a surgical team based on the patient’s specific situation, including the reason for the bariatric revision and their overall health. It can take time to identify the problem and the best pathway to surgical intervention. Choosing a bariatric surgeon with experience navigating these often complex cases is crucial. Over 60% of Dr. Fridley’s and Dr. Mai’s bariatric surgeries are revisional. They take great pride in helping many patients with bariatric revisions that other physicians are hesitant to manage.
Luckily, Surgical Associates of Bayonet Point (SABP) offers two highly skilled surgeons, both robotically trained under one roof with over 25 years of experience combined. Dr. Donald Fridley and Dr. Loan Mai specialize in Revisional Bariatric Surgery. Both surgeons take pride in their high accolades for great bedside manner and surgical skill level. Dr. Fridley and Dr. Mai are Pennsylvania College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) alumni and are currently practicing in West Pasco County located north of the beautiful Tampa Bay, Florida.
Here is what a few of our patients had to say about their experience.
“Dr. Mai performed a gastric bypass from sleeve revision on me on 5/10/24. Dr. Mai and the entire office staff are phenomenal! I was welcomed in and moved along toward my surgery with ease and knowledge. Dr. Mai suggested which hospital I would have the best experience at, and she was so right! The office staff, the OR staff, and all of the nurses/Drs/techs that came in to assist me during my stay in the hospital were amazing. Everyone made sure I was as comfortable as possible and were top-notch when it came to accommodating any of my needs. They even provided dinner for my fiancé while he stayed the night with me in my private room. I am grateful and thankful for the excellent care I received and continue to receive from Dr. Mai and her staff at the office. I look forward to my weight loss journey with their help!”
“After routine checkups and testing from my primary physician, it was determined that I was experiencing blood loss causing anemia. I was referred to a gastroenterologist who performed a colonoscopy and an endoscopy to determine where the blood was coming from. The gastroenterologist found the lap band that I had inserted in 2009, which, in his opinion, appeared to have either slipped or deteriorated. He sent me to an imaging center for a CT Scan, and in their opinion, there was nothing wrong with the lap band. After two completely different diagnoses, I was extremely scared and decided to see a Bariatric Surgeon. I did some research and found Dr. Fridley, who turned out to be the best choice of my life! I called his office and explained my circumstances and received an immediate appointment. Dr. Fridley explained that the Lap-Band is a medical device made of silicone and has a limited lifespan. The manufacturer recommends removal after about 10 years. If you keep your band in longer, you may experience a lot of trouble when it comes to the removal process where the band may fall apart or not be able to be removed from the body, or worse yet, the band may become encapsulated by the body causing the need for a very complicated surgery. He further explained that normally, the removal is an outpatient surgery without any complications, but he would not know for sure until he got in there. I agreed that the Lap Band had to be removed and he went ahead and scheduled it asap for outpatient surgery. After our consultation, I felt relieved that I was going to receive competent and personal care. Dr. Fridley tailors his treatment/surgery specifically for each patient. The surgery did not go as expected. He found that the Lap Band was deteriorating and damaged the stomach lining, which he had to repair and also the tubing grew into my colon and damaged that also. Fortunately, he was able to cut out the damaged area and reattach it. I firmly believe that he was able to do this because he is a truly gifted surgeon and an awesome doctor. He is professional, competent, caring, respectful, and personal. He truly cares about every patient, and I highly recommend him to anyone. Also, his surgical team and office staff are invaluable and welcoming. I am very happy with my experience with Dr Fridley and his office staff!! Thank you all so very much!”
