Can You Re-Sleeve the Stomach? When a Second Chance with a Gastric Sleeve Revision is Possible
Bariatric Patients Seek a Gastric Sleeve Revision Years After Their Initial Bariatric Surgery
Yes, you can get gastric sleeve revision if your stomach has stretched enough after the initial procedure. Some bariatric patients seek a second gastric sleeve - a re-sleeve - procedure years after their initial surgery. Gastric sleeve revision is an available option in New Jersey for those who qualify and want to continue with a restrictive weight loss method. Research shows that revision gastric sleeve surgery is an effective bariatric revision surgery with effective, long-lasting results when performed by experienced bariatric surgeons. However, if the stomach hasn't stretched enough, gastric bypass and SADI surgery are other options for weight loss surgery patients who qualify.
Stomach Stretching After Gastric Sleeve
The stomach is a thin-walled muscle designed to expand when you eat and decompress when empty. Its natural function includes stretching to accommodate food and grinding it into smaller pieces for digestion.
After gastric sleeve surgery (also called sleeve gastrectomy), more than 80% of your stomach has been removed. While you can never stretch your post-surgery stomach back to its original pre-surgery size, some stretching is normal and expected. Your sleeved stomach will continue to expand and contract with meals—just at a significantly reduced capacity compared to before.
Most weight gain after gastric sleeve surgery occurs not from extreme stomach stretching but from increased calorie intake, particularly from frequent snacking and high-calorie beverages that bypass the restrictive benefits of the sleeve.
Gastric Sleeve Revision: A Second Chance at Weight Loss Success
This procedure can help patients who have regained weight or didn’t reach their weight loss goals with their first gastric sleeve. To determine eligibility for a re-sleeve, an endoscopy to examine the stomach will be performed by your bariatric surgeon to measure stomach size and see if there's sufficient dilation to qualify for gastric sleeve revision.
Once eligibility is determined, your New Jersey Bariatric Center® surgeon can re-sleeve your sleeve. Re-sleeving works by reducing the size of your stretched stomach back to an optimal size, helping to restore the feeling of fullness and portion control that you may have lost over time.
Studies show that approximately 18.7% of all revision surgeries after gastric sleeve are re-sleeve procedures, making it the second most common revision option after gastric bypass.
When a Revision of the Gastric Sleeve Isn't the Answer
If your stomach has not stretched significantly, a revision of the gastric sleeve is not an option. Patients with GERD should also avoid re-sleeving as it can worsen reflux symptoms. For patients who do not qualify for gastric sleeve a second time, a gastric sleeve revision to a gastric bypass or a SADI (Single Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal Bypass) surgery can provide more significant weight loss through both restriction and malabsorption.
Getting Back on Track
Obesity is a disease that bariatric surgery cannot cure. It is a tool to jumpstart weight loss. It's a journey with ups and downs rather than a linear path. If you're experiencing weight gain or struggling to meet your goals after gastric sleeve surgery, schedule a consultation with our New Jersey Bariatric Center® team to review your options, which may include:
- Nutritional counseling and dietary reset
- Lifestyle modification strategies
- Medical weight management
- Bariatric revision surgery assessment
Our comprehensive approach ensures you receive personalized recommendations based on your unique needs. Call us at 908-481-1270.
Frequently Asked Questions About A Second Gastric Sleeve Surgery
- Is it possible to get a second gastric sleeve surgery? Yes, a second gastric sleeve surgery, known as a gastric sleeve revision can be an option if the initial sleeve has stretched considerably. However, a thorough evaluation is necessary to determine if it is the most appropriate procedure for a bariatric revision surgery.
- How long after my first gastric sleeve can I get a revision? At NJBC we recommend waiting at least 18-24 months after your initial procedure before considering gastric sleeve revision surgery.
- Will insurance cover a gastric sleeve revision? Coverage varies by insurance provider and policy. Documentation of medical necessity, including evidence of stomach stretching and weight regain is typically required. Contact your insurance provider for more information about your coverage.
- What are my options for a second bariatric surgery if my stomach isn't stretched? If significant stomach stretching is not found during the endoscopy, a second gastric sleeve is not a viable option. Alternatively, gastric bypass and SADI (Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy are available solutions).
- How do I know if I'm a candidate for bariatric sleeve revision surgery? The best way to determine your candidacy for a second gastric sleeve surgery is to schedule a consultation with an experienced bariatric surgeon at NJBC. They will evaluate your medical history, weight loss progress, current health, and the condition of your existing gastric sleeve to recommend the most suitable course of action for your second chance.
