Weight Loss Procedures

Revision Weight Loss Surgery

Rediscover Your Healthy Self with Revision Weight Loss Surgery: Expert Guidance and Personalized Care for a Successful Weight Loss Journey

Weight Loss Procedures

Revision Weight Loss Surgery

For many patients who undergo bariatric surgery, they successfully achieve and maintain substantial, long-term weight loss. However, some patients may require revision surgery. This can be due to a number of factors, including:

If you have had a primary bariatric procedure with another surgeon, we would recommend returning to them to see if they can assist you further. However, Dr Puhalla does perform revision weight loss surgery for new patients. You will need to obtain a GP referral addressed to Dr Puhalla to have your first consultation.

Revision weight loss surgery can be performed in several ways.

The most common revision procedure is gastric band removal. Gastric band removal can be performed as a stand alone procedure. If you have a gastric band that needs removing, and would like to convert it to another weight loss procedure, this can be done in either a single or two stage process. If you would like to have a sleeve gastrectomy, the band will first need to be removed, and then three months later, the sleeve gastrectomy can be performed. This is to ensure that the stomach is in a healthy condition to safely undergo the sleeve gastrectomy. If you would like to undergo a gastric bypass, this surgery can usually be performed in a single step, during the same procedure as the band removal.

If you have a sleeve gastrectomy, this may be converted to a gastric bypass or a loop duodenal switch. 

Revision surgery is often more complex than a primary procedure. You will be asked to undergo some medical investigations to assess your current anatomy. This will assist Dr Puhalla to determine which revisional surgeries are possible for your individual circumstance. You will discuss these options, along with the pros, cons and risks of each alternative, during your appointment.

Information on the costs of revision surgery can be found on the Our Costs page. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you will need a referral to see Dr Puhalla. A referral from your GP is valid for 12 months, while a referral from a specialist is valid for 3 months. 

The initial consultation costs $250, with a Medicare rebate of $76. The pre-operative appointment costs $90, with a Medicare rebate of $38. You will need a valid referral to claim the Medicare rebates. 

No, weight loss surgery is not currently available in the public health system.

Yes, Dr Puhalla accepts uninsured patients. You can apply to the ATO for early release of your super, for which we can assist you. Medicare rebates are available for some fees, however you are liable for all costs.

Unfortunately, Medicare and health fund rebates do not cover the full cost of providing you with medical care. This is because the rate at which successive governments have indexed the Medicare Schedule fees has been substantially lower than increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and average weekly earnings. The reality is that Medicare rebates do not cover the cost of providing you with a safe and high quality service. The fees charged by this practice have to cover all of our practice costs.

Please bring a copy of your referral, along with your personal details, including Medicare card, private health insurance, and a list of medications. You will need to fill out personal details and medical history forms on arrival.

Yes, it is essential that you see a dietitian to support you on your weight loss surgery journey. This is to ensure that you have the best possible outcome relating to your weight loss and overall health.

Dr Puhalla will discuss your options with you to help you decide the best procedure for you. Your individual preferences, lifestyle and health are considered when determining your type of surgery.

Dr Puhalla will discuss your options with you to help you decide the best procedure for you. Your individual preferences, lifestyle and health are considered when determining your type of surgery.

Typically, the hospital stay is one to two nights. If you are undergoing revisional surgery or have a complex medical history, you may need to stay longer.

Depending on the procedure, you will need one to two weeks off work. We can provide you with a medical certificate if required.

We recommend you start driving a week after surgery, initially limiting yourself to shorter drives before returning to normal driving. 

Current wait times are around three to four weeks for appointments and surgery bookings. We also have a cancellation list, as patients often have to move their appointments, which means you may be able to be seen sooner. Please advise our team at the time of booking if you would like to put on the cancellation list.

The entire process typically takes around 8 to 12 weeks. Depending on the investigations needed, and whether or not you have private health insurance, this may be able to be shortened to around 4 weeks. We will do our best to meet your schedule, however we recommend you allow at least 8 weeks for the entire process.