Bariatric Revision Surgery

What bariatric revision surgery involves

Around one in five bariatric patients eventually needs a second operation: weight regain after a sleeve as the stomach stretches, severe reflux after a sleeve, a slipped or eroded gastric band, or insufficient weight loss after any procedure. Revision converts the original operation into one that works for the problem you have now. Sleeve to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the standard answer for reflux and regain; re-sleeve for a dilated sleeve without reflux; band removal with conversion to sleeve or bypass; and SADI-S (single-anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass) for patients who need the most powerful metabolic effect.

Revision is technically harder than a first operation because of scar tissue, which is why it should be done by a surgeon who does it often. All procedures are laparoscopic, two to three hours, with two to three nights in hospital.

Who is eligible

Patients with a documented previous bariatric procedure and a clear indication — regain to a BMI above 35, reflux not controlled by medication, or a band complication. Bring your original operative report, a recent endoscopy if you have one, and your current medication list. The bariatric team reviews these before confirming the plan and the price; an endoscopy and contrast study are done on arrival.

Why Istanbul, and why through us

Public systems in the UK and Germany rarely fund revision, and private revision costs £12,000–18,000. Our partner bariatric surgeons perform primary and revisional surgery every week in a JCI-accredited hospital with a dedicated bariatric unit and intensive care, at a third of the private price and with a date within weeks. Dietitian follow-up continues remotely after you fly home.

You deal with one coordinator, one hospital and one medical team from the first message to the last follow-up. Every price is itemised in writing before you pay a deposit, and the written quote does not change unless you change the plan. Flights are never included.

Recovery and follow-up

Two to three nights in hospital with a leak test before discharge, then the recovery hotel; most patients fly home on day six or seven. Liquid diet for two weeks, puree for two, then soft food. Desk work at two weeks. The dietitian and the surgical team follow you remotely at one, three, six and twelve months; blood tests are done at home and reviewed by the team.

Cost of bariatric revision in Turkey

The published price is the starting point for sleeve-to-bypass or re-sleeve, including endoscopy, hospital nights, recovery hotel, transfers and dietitian follow-up. Band removal with conversion and SADI-S are quoted after the team has reviewed your reports. Flights are never included.

Start with why you are seeking another assessment

Revision assessment can begin with different concerns: symptoms, an unexpected course after surgery, weight change or uncertainty about an earlier operation. Describe the concern and its timing without assuming that another operation is the answer.

Bring the earlier operative report if available, along with relevant tests, treatment history and details of current medicines. If you do not know which operation you had, explain that before receiving a quote. The clinician needs to understand your starting anatomy, not just the package name used at the time.

Ask what must be investigated before a plan is chosen

Request an explanation of what the team needs to determine: the possible cause of your concern, any further assessment required and the options after those findings.

Avoid interpreting weight regain as proof that the earlier procedure was performed incorrectly or that revision will resolve it. Ask about non-operative options and the uncertainties around another operation. A useful consultation should allow space for investigation and a second opinion.

Compare the proposed revision with leaving anatomy unchanged

Ask the clinician to explain the intended benefit of the proposed change, the material risks and the ongoing requirements. If conversion to another procedure is proposed, request its full name and an explanation of what will change.

Ask what success would mean in your case and how it will be measured. Do not reduce the decision to a predicted number on the scale. Persistent symptoms and quality of life may need their own assessment even when weight is part of the conversation.

Do not use a benchmark as a booking promise

The pricing catalogue labels the revision figure as a market benchmark. Obtain a current partner assessment and written quote before treating any online figure as your treatment price.

The quote should identify tests, clinical fees, hospital and hotel arrangements, and follow-up. Ask what costs may change once previous records and new findings are reviewed. Flights are not included.

Does a revision assessment always lead to surgery?

No surgery should be assumed from the request for assessment. Ask what options remain after the findings are reviewed.

What if I cannot obtain my original records?

Tell the team early and ask how the assessment proceeds. Do not replace unknown details with a guessed operation name.

Can my earlier provider's repair agreement cover this treatment?

Ask that provider to explain its written terms. Do not assume another facility's treatment will be reimbursed.

Build a record of the problem, not just your weight

Prepare a short chronology: original operation, later procedures, when symptoms began, treatments tried and what changed. Include the operative report, implant or band details if relevant, discharge letters and available endoscopy or imaging reports. Bring actual laboratory results with dates rather than a statement that your blood tests were “normal”. Ask how to send records securely and whether translations are needed.

Separate your goals: relief of reflux or swallowing problems, assessment of an earlier device, weight management and nutritional concerns may need different discussions. Ask which finding supports the proposed anatomical change and what would lead the team to recommend a different approach or defer treatment.

Understand the follow-up commitment of a conversion

For background, read NIDDK's bariatric side-effect guide. Ask the specialist which early and late risks apply to the proposed revision, how previous anatomy affects the discussion, and whether a staged approach is relevant.

Before agreeing to conversion, request a written monitoring plan identifying tests, supplements where prescribed, the responsible clinician and how results will be reviewed after you return home. Bring your existing supplement list. Do not stop prescribed medicines or choose replacement doses from an article.

Should I book return flights before the final revision plan?

Ask for a provisional travel plan that allows for further investigation or a change of operation. The catalogue's revision entry is a market benchmark with a three-night hospital notation; it does not establish hotel nights, a confirmed package or permission to fly. Ask separately about discharge, the next examination and medical clearance for your route.

How do I compare a revision quote with a primary bypass package?

Do not assume they cover the same work. Ask whether assessment of the previous operation, removal of an existing device, additional hospital care and follow-up are included in the revision quote. The gastric bypass page introduces that operation; its starting package is not a revision offer. Obtain an itemised revision estimate after records are reviewed.