The resleeve procedure, also known as a revisional gastric sleeve surgery, is a follow-up surgery for patients who have previously undergone a sleeve gastrectomy but have not achieved their desired weight loss or experienced weight regain. During the initial gastric sleeve procedure, a large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. Over time, some patients may regain weight, and a resleeve procedure further reduces the size of the stomach to help control hunger and food intake more effectively.
For individuals struggling to maintain weight loss or facing other post-bariatric surgery challenges, the resleeve procedure may offer a solution. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons and understand if this procedure is the right choice for your health and long-term goals.
How the Resleeve Procedure Works
The resleeve procedure is typically performed laparoscopically, similar to the initial gastric sleeve surgery. Using small incisions and specialized instruments, the surgeon further reduces the size of the stomach by removing an additional portion of the stomach tissue. This makes the stomach even smaller, limiting food intake and promoting quicker satiety with smaller meals.
The procedure is often done under general anesthesia and may take about 1-2 hours, depending on the individual case. Patients typically spend 1-2 days in the hospital for observation, after which they can return home and begin their recovery journey.
Why the Resleeve Procedure is Performed
The resleeve procedure is primarily performed for patients who have had a previous gastric sleeve surgery but have either:
- Experienced significant weight regain after their initial weight loss.
- Did not reach their desired weight loss goal after the first surgery.
- Struggle with hunger control due to a stomach that has stretched or expanded over time.
It's important to note that weight regain after bariatric surgery is not uncommon. Several factors, including diet, lifestyle changes, and hormonal influences, can impact long-term success. The resleeve offers a second chance to correct these issues and continue on the path to a healthier weight.
Pros of the Resleeve Procedure
1. Enhanced Weight Loss Results
One of the primary benefits of the resleeve procedure is its ability to kickstart further weight loss by reducing the size of the stomach even more. For individuals who have plateaued or regained weight, the resleeve can help them get back on track.
2. Improved Hunger Control
After the initial sleeve gastrectomy, some patients may experience increased hunger over time as the stomach stretches or their body adjusts to the smaller stomach. By making the stomach even smaller, the resleeve reduces appetite and makes it easier to feel full with less food.
3. Minimally Invasive
Like the original sleeve gastrectomy, the resleeve is often performed laparoscopically, which means it requires smaller incisions and typically leads to faster recovery times, less postoperative pain, and lower risks of complications compared to open surgery.
4. No Bypassing of the Intestine
Unlike other revisional procedures, such as gastric bypass, the resleeve does not involve rerouting the intestines. This means there is less risk of nutritional deficiencies that can occur when the digestive system is altered significantly.
5. Potential for Long-Term Success
Patients who undergo a resleeve procedure and make the necessary lifestyle changes may experience long-term success in maintaining their weight loss. With proper diet, exercise, and follow-up care, the resleeve can be a powerful tool for managing obesity and its associated health risks.
Cons of the Resleeve Procedure
1. Risk of Complications
As with any surgery, the resleeve procedure comes with potential risks, including infection, bleeding, and blood clots. Although laparoscopic procedures generally have fewer complications, it’s still important to discuss these risks with your surgeon.
2. Stomach Stenosis
In some cases, the resleeve procedure may lead to a narrowing of the stomach, known as stenosis. This can cause discomfort, nausea, and difficulty eating. Patients experiencing these symptoms may require additional treatment or corrective surgery.
3. Weight Loss May Still Plateau
While the resleeve can help boost weight loss, it is not a guarantee. Factors such as diet, physical activity, and metabolic rates still play a significant role in determining the success of weight loss. Patients who are not fully committed to making lifestyle changes may not achieve the desired results.
4. Not Suitable for Everyone
The resleeve procedure is not recommended for everyone. Patients who did not lose weight due to non-surgical factors, such as poor dietary habits or lack of physical activity, may not benefit from this surgery. It's also crucial for individuals to have realistic expectations and understand that surgery alone is not a solution to weight loss.
Who is a Good Candidate for the Resleeve Procedure?
Determining if the resleeve procedure is right for you involves a thorough evaluation by a bariatric surgeon. Typically, the ideal candidates for a resleeve procedure include:
- Individuals who have had a previous gastric sleeve surgery and have either regained weight or did not achieve significant weight loss.
- Patients with stretched stomachs, which may occur over time after the initial surgery, leading to increased food intake and hunger.
- People with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 35 or higher who are struggling to maintain or achieve their desired weight loss.
- Those who are committed to lifestyle changes, including following a healthy diet and exercise plan.
It’s essential to consult with a qualified surgeon who can assess your individual situation and determine whether the resleeve procedure is the best option for your health needs.
The Recovery Process
After the resleeve procedure, the recovery process is similar to the initial sleeve gastrectomy. Patients can expect to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days post-surgery for observation. During recovery, a liquid diet is typically recommended for the first few weeks, gradually progressing to soft foods and eventually solid foods over time.
Patients should anticipate some discomfort and fatigue in the initial days after surgery, but most people can return to work and normal activities within a few weeks, depending on the speed of their recovery.
Follow-up appointments with your surgeon and healthcare team are crucial during this period to monitor progress and ensure proper healing. Support groups and nutritional counseling may also be recommended to help patients stay on track with their long-term weight loss goals.
When to Consider the Resleeve Procedure
The resleeve procedure is generally recommended for individuals who have undergone a previous gastric sleeve surgery but have not achieved their desired weight loss or have experienced significant weight regain. It’s essential to consider this option if:
- You are struggling to lose weight or maintain weight loss after an initial gastric sleeve.
- Your stomach has stretched over time, leading to increased hunger and food intake.
- You are committed to long-term lifestyle changes, including dietary adjustments and regular physical activity.
- Other non-surgical interventions for weight loss have not been successful.
We highly recommend Dr. Jalil Illan Fraijo, MD. Dr. Illan is a Tijuana bariatric surgeon and one of Mexico's top-ranked, board-certified weight loss surgeons. Dr. Jalil Illan is a recognized expert in laparoscopic surgery who has performed over 16,500 metabolic and bariatric surgeries; 6,000 revision surgeries, and helped more than 22,000 patients.
During this time, he distinguished himself by publishing research articles in Obesity and General Surgery. Afterward, Dr. Illan completed an intensive four-year fellowship program in Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery with world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Juan Lopez Corvalá. Dr. Jalil Illan completed advanced courses in both Laparoscopic Surgical Techniques and Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass at the prestigious Hospital Oswaldo Cruz Sao Paulo, Brazil – which holds a position as one of the most recognized healthcare institutions in Brazil. He has become one of the few Master Surgeons in Tijuana, Mexico. A distinguished accreditation by the Surgical Review Corporation in Mexico. Dr. Illan has always strived for a better education and overall practice in his medical career.
To learn more about Dr. Illan or to contact him, please visit www.drjalil.com.
