Gastric Sleeve Revision

Who is gastric sleeve revision for?

Patients who have had gastric sleeve surgery, or sleeve gastrectomy, in the past but are now gaining weight can consider gastric sleeve revision.

How does gastric sleeve revision work?

Endoscopic gastric sleeve revision is an outpatient minimally invasive non-surgical procedure. There are no scars or incisions. A tube with a camera and a light on its tip called an endoscope is advanced by an endoscopist through the mouth to the gastric sleeve. We can stitch the sleeve and tighten it back to its previous size using a suturing device that is fitted on the tip of the scope. The procedure is carried out while the patient is sedated. It does not necessitate hospital admission. The patient will begin to feel full after smaller meals following the revision.

How long does a gastric sleeve revision procedure take?

Endoscopic gastric sleeve revision is a quick outpatient procedure. The procedure itself requires around 30 minutes. You will be asked to arrive at the outpatient surgery center one hour before your procedure time. After your revision, you will be monitored in the recovery area for 1-2 hours before you are discharged home.

What is the recovery after sleeve revision?

You will recover in the surgical center for an hour or two following your endoscopic gastric sleeve revision, and then you will be discharged home. Since you cannot drive for 24 hours after getting anesthesia, you will need an adult to take you home. You might feel queasy or have upper abdominal pain in the first day or two following your gastric sleeve revision. If you have these symptoms, medicine will be given to you to treat them. After having an endoscopic gastric sleeve revision, we often advise you to take two to three days off from work. You can return to work and your regular schedule after that. In the first week following a revision, we would advise avoiding doing any hard lifting or other vigorous activity.

What is the diet like after endoscopic sleeve revision?

You will progressively advance your diet after your revision, just like you did after your initial bariatric surgery. You will be on a clear liquid diet for two days then gradually advance to a full liquid diet for a couple of weeks then to a soft diet for a couple of weeks then you can go back to a regular consistency diet.

Following your sleeve revision, you will gradually advance your diet, just like you did following your initial sleeve gastrectomy surgery. For the first two days, you’ll be on a clear liquid diet. Then, you’ll gradually advance to a full liquid diet for two weeks, then to a soft diet for two weeks, after which you can resume a regular-consistency diet.

What are the benefits of endoscopic gastric sleeve revision?

Most patients do not want to have another operation after having had bariatric surgery in the past. For these patients, endoscopic gastric sleeve revision is the best option because it can be done through the mouth without surgery, incisions, or scars. Additionally, endoscopic gastric sleeve revision carries much less risk than surgical revision. It merely entails suturing; the stomach and bowel are not cut. The procedure is done as an outpatient, so there is no need to check into the hospital, and recovery is quick. The endoscopic revision restores the potential for weight loss from the initial gastric sleeve surgery.

What evaluation is required before the gastric sleeve revision procedure?

Before you undergo a gastric sleeve revision, we may need to perform an endoscopy to determine whether the gastric sleeve has dilated with time, in which case you would benefit from the revision procedure. If indeed the sleeve is dilated, suturing can be performed endoscopically to bring the sleeve back to its original size. You may be asked to get some blood tests done. If you suffer from certain medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, you may need to get additional testing such as an EKG so we make sure you can be safely sedated.

What are the risks of the sleeve revision procedure?

Endoscopic gastric sleeve revision is an extremely safe procedure. Some upper abdominal discomfort and nausea are to be expected after the procedure. These symptoms usually resolve in 1-2 days and are usually easily controlled with medications. Serious complications such as internal bleeding, gastric perforation, or an infection are extremely rare.

How do you keep the weight off after gastric sleeve revision?

After your revision, we work with you to adopt a healthy diet and an active and healthy lifestyle. Long-term weight loss results require work, dedication, and commitment. Our team is there for you to help you through the process and to provide you with the tools you need for success. Our comprehensive after-care program includes medical and nutrition support and monitoring. Our bariatric dietitians meet with you every month and they are always available to answer any questions you may have.

Following your sleeve revision, we work with you to embrace a healthy diet and engage in a physically active lifestyle. Achieving lasting weight loss necessitates effort, devotion, and steadfastness. Our team stands by your side to support you throughout the journey and equip you with the necessary tools and resources for success. Our comprehensive after-care program comprises medical and nutritional assistance, as well as ongoing monitoring. Our bariatric dietitians meet with you on a monthly basis, and they are readily available to address any questions or concerns you might have.

Get your weight loss journey back on track with gastric sleeve revision!

Gaining weight back after having lost it with much effort and hard work after gastric sleeve surgery can be disheartening and very frustrating. If you experienced weight regain after your sleeve gastrectomy surgery, call us at: (301) 288-1319 to schedule a consultation.