Know Before You Go: Is Bariatric Surgery Reversible?

Bariatric surgery is a perfectly valid form of health care and weight loss, but you may have some questions regarding the aftereffects. The most commonly asked question is, “Is bariatric surgery reversible?” The answer to that isn’t as simple as “yes” or “no,” because depending on the kind you choose, the answer is going to vary. Today, we’re going to explore a few different types of bariatric surgery and whether or not they can be reversed.

Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass surgery is a two-phase operation that is by far the most popular form of bariatric surgery. First, a small pouch is created, while in the second step, the pouch is connected to the small intestine. Gastric bypass is potentially reversible, but complicated surgery is required to execute it, which can be incredibly difficult. There is debate over the reversibility of this operation because it restructures the digestive system, changes gut hormones, and makes the stomach smaller.

Biliopancreatic Diversion With Duodenal Switch

This bariatric surgery shifts the digestive system to allow food to circumvent a significant amount of the small intestine. Because the treatment is done with partial duodenal bypass and the removal of a major component of the digestive system, it is irreversible. There are several risks that come with rearranging food passages to seem like normal passages, as the process involves giving up several concessions, making the reversal impossible to do safely.

Gastric Sleeve

This operation also reduces the size of the stomach; it curves out a wider section of the stomach. The difficulty lies in the fact that the missing component can never be placed back into its original arrangement, making it impossible to reverse the procedure in its entirety. It’s an operation that can never be reversed, so while it could have a favorable consequence for the patient, it’s not one to be taken lightly.

Adjustable Gastric Band

The gastric band operation is a minimally invasive technique that can be reversed when the implanted device is removed. Although bariatric patients can undergo subsequent procedures to alter or reposition the band, it can remain in place for an extended period of time until the individual is secure enough in their ability to continue to lose weight or keep it off without the band’s assistance. Removing the band, on the other hand, has more serious repercussions since it creates a scar, which raises the risk of a leak.

As you can see, bariatric surgery is reversible only sometimes. Though reversal is fairly simple with an adjustable gastric band, the other options are significantly riskier, if not impossible. Now that you’ve got a little more information, feel free to give our doctors at ALGSN Bariatric a call! Our team of the best gastric bypass doctors in Las Vegas is happy to answer any further questions you may have.