Expert Surgical Correction by Dr. David Davtyan, Pioneer in Bariatric and Revisional Procedures
If you’ve previously undergone weight loss surgery and are experiencing complications, unwanted side effects, or insufficient results, you may benefit from a bariatric revision procedure. These surgeries require a high level of technical skill, experience, and surgical judgment—qualities that have made Dr. David Davtyan one of the most trusted revisional bariatric surgeons in Los Angeles, Glendale, and beyond.
Dr. Davtyan brings over 35 years of surgical experience, having trained at some of the most prestigious institutions in the country, including MD Anderson Cancer Center, UT Houston, and the John Wayne Cancer Institute, where he completed his fellowship in Surgical Oncology. He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Obesity Medicine, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (FASMBS).
As one of the first U.S. surgeons trained in Lap-Band placement, and a published authority in journals such as The Lancet, Dr. Davtyan has spent decades treating patients who need surgical correction following complications or disappointing outcomes from prior bariatric procedures. His personal experience as a weight loss surgery patient adds empathy and insight to his exceptional technical skill.
Is Now the Time for a Bariatric Revision?
What Is Bariatric Revision Surgery?
Bariatric revision surgery refers to a corrective procedure that modifies, repairs, or replaces a previous weight loss surgery. This could involve adjusting a Lap-Band, converting a gastric sleeve to a bypass, or repairing anatomical issues such as hernias, slippage, or strictures.
Revisional surgeries are typically more complex than primary bariatric procedures, which is why choosing a surgeon with deep experience in surgical oncology, reconstructive techniques, and bariatrics is critical to achieving a successful outcome.
Reasons For A Bariatric Revision
There are a number of reasons you may require a bariatric revision, including:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
GERD is a chronic condition that results in heartburn, reflux and potential damage to the esophagus. If you continuously experience these symptoms even after losing weight, it may be necessary to revise your procedure.
- Vomiting.
In rare cases, patients experience excessive vomiting as a complication of their bariatric surgery. When this occurs, Dr. David Davtyan can revise or reverse your procedure to permanently solve the issue and restore your quality of life.
- Hiatal Hernia.
A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm, causing heartburn. If it’s large and causing symptoms, it may need to be repaired surgically.
- Band Slippage (With LAP-BAND).
This complication occurs when the lower part of your stomach slips up through the band, creating a bigger stomach pouch above. When this happens, repositioning or replacement of the band may be necessary so your stomach and your band can continue functioning optimally.
- Insufficient Weight Loss.
Though bariatric surgery is considered to be a very effective way to treat obesity, some patients may not lose an optimal amount of weight at first. In these cases, a revision may be necessary to correct any issues so you can lose the weight you need, as intended.
Contact Us Today for Your Bariatric Revision Consultation!
Types of Bariatric Revisions Dr. Davtyan Performs
Depending on your original procedure and the nature of the complication, Dr. Davtyan may recommend one of the following:
- Lap-Band to Sleeve Gastrectomy or Gastric Bypass Conversion
- Gastric Sleeve to Gastric Bypass Conversion
- Lap-Band Removal with or without Hernia Repair
- Re-tightening or Re-suturing of Gastric Plication Folds
- Correction of post-op strictures, adhesions, or slippage
Every revision is tailored to your specific anatomy and surgical history. Dr. Davtyan uses advanced diagnostic imaging, in-depth consultation, and intraoperative precision to ensure optimal results.
Should You Undergo A Bariatric Revision?
The decision to undergo a bariatric revision is personal and often complex. It depends on your individual anatomy, complication history, and weight loss goals. In general, if you’re experiencing:
- Unresolved symptoms (e.g., reflux, vomiting, discomfort)
- Structural issues like hernias or slippage
- Disappointing weight loss results
- Difficulty maintaining nutritional balance
…you should schedule a consultation with Dr. Davtyan to explore your options.
During your visit, Dr. Davtyan will conduct a comprehensive evaluation—including medical history review, physical exam, and imaging if needed—to determine whether a revision is in your best interest and which type will give you the best long-term outcome. If you are considering a bariatric revision, please schedule a meeting with Dr. David Davtyan today.
Why Choose Dr. Davtyan for Bariatric Revision?
Revisional surgery is not for beginners. It requires a surgeon with a deep understanding of gastrointestinal anatomy, scar tissue, surgical technique, and bariatric device history.
Dr. Davtyan offers:
- Surgical oncology-level training in complex anatomy and reconstruction
- One of the highest volumes of Lap-Band procedures and revisions in California
- 35+ years of experience and thousands of bariatric cases
- Fellowship training at John Wayne Cancer Institute
- A unique patient-surgeon perspective, having undergone Lap-Band surgery himself
- Multilingual care (English, Spanish, Armenian, Russian, Italian, Romanian)
- Published academic credentials, including articles in The Lancet and Annals of Surgery
- A long-term follow-up program to ensure results and prevent recurrence
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a revision?
If you’re experiencing symptoms like chronic reflux, vomiting, poor weight loss, or discomfort years after surgery, a revision consultation is strongly recommended.
Is revision surgery riskier than primary bariatric surgery?
Revisional surgery is more complex, but when performed by a highly experienced surgeon like Dr. Davtyan, risks are minimized, and success rates remain high.
Can I convert a Lap-Band to a sleeve or bypass?
Yes. Dr. Davtyan frequently converts Lap-Bands to either sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass, depending on the patient’s anatomy and goals.
Will insurance cover bariatric revision surgery?
In many cases, insurance will cover revisions, especially when they are medically necessary. Our staff will help you verify coverage and review your options.
What is recovery like after a revision?
Recovery times vary depending on the complexity of the procedure. Dr. Davtyan and his team will provide a custom post-op plan and monitor you closely to ensure a safe recovery.
Get the Expertise You Need When It Matters Most
If you’re in Los Angeles, Glendale, or anywhere in Southern California and your previous weight loss surgery is no longer working—or is causing complications—schedule a consultation with Dr. David Davtyan. Few surgeons in the country offer his combination of technical mastery, academic credentials, and lived patient experience.
More About Dr. Daytyan
Dr. David G. Davtyan, MD, FACS, FASMBS, FICS
Board-Certified Bariatric and Surgical Oncologist in Los Angeles
With over 35 years of clinical experience, Dr. David G. Davtyan is one of the most respected and knowledgeable weight loss and surgical oncology specialists in the nation. A pioneer in minimally invasive bariatric procedures, he is board-certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Obesity Medicine, and has personally undergone Lap-Band surgery, giving him a unique perspective on the patient journey.
He is the founder and medical director of The Weight Loss Surgery Center of Los Angeles and has trained at some of the top institutions in the world.
Education & Training
- MD, UCLA School of Medicine
- Surgical Oncology Fellowship, John Wayne Cancer Institute
- Residency, UT Houston and MD Anderson Cancer Center
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Board Certifications & Professional Affiliations
- American Board of Surgery (ABS)
- American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM)
- Fellow, American College of Surgeons (FACS)
- Fellow, American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (FASMBS)
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Academic & Clinical Leadership
- Among the first U.S. surgeons trained in Lap-Band placement
- Medical Director, The Weight Loss Surgery Center of Los Angeles
- Faculty Member, John Wayne Cancer Institute Fellowship Program
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Awards & Recognition
- UCLA Vice Provost Prize for Outstanding Academic Achievement
- Motif Award from The Walt Disney Company for inspirational achievements in medicine
- Excellence in Patient Care Award
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Research & Publications
- Co-author of over 50 peer-reviewed studies
- Contributor to The Lancet, Annals of Surgery, and Archives of Surgery
- Co-developer of melanoma vaccine research and sentinel lymph node mapping
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Media & Public Outreach
- Frequently featured on ABC, Fox, Telemundo, and Armenian national media
- Regular speaker at national and international bariatric conferences
- Fluent in six languages (English, Spanish, Armenian, Russian, Italian, Romanian)
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