I recently looked into this and am at the stage of deciding which surgery I want: Re-Sleeve or Bypass.
I'll preface the following by stating you can research many articles on "pubmed.com" to read published papers by physicians.
There is a re-sleeve procedure and it's either done by plication or utilizing Overstitch; key difference is that part of your stomach is NOT cut and removed, as is done in the initial sleeve.
The stomach is made smaller by suturing to make it smaller.
In my case, revision, even if it is to a re-sleeve, would be covered by my insurance.
Re-sleeves can be done endoscopically (through the throat, no incisions on the abdomen); this is the approach I am being offered.
Bypass would require abdominal incisions as it is performed laparoscopically.
Bypass would yield a greater overall weight loss, initially. There's a study that indicated the long term weight loss between those re-sleeved vs. conversion to bypass levels out and is similar.
Articles:
Re-sleeve Gastrectomy - An Efficient Revisional Bariatric Procedure - 3 Years Results
Re-Sleeve Gastrectomy for Failed Primary Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Short-term outcomes of revisional surgery after sleeve gastrectomy: a comparative analysis of re-sleeve, Roux en-Y gastric bypass, duodenal switch (Roux en-Y and single-anastomosis)
Laparoscopic re-sleeve gastrectomy as a treatment of weight regain after sleeve gastrectomy
Weight Regain After Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Look at the Benefits of Re-sleeve
Reverse:
Laparoscopic revision of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to sleeve gastrectomy: A ray of hope for failed Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
As to which procedure has higher risk, in general, risk increases with every subsequent surgery.
In this case, it would depend on the approach your physician would take to re-sleeve; endoscopic or laparoscopic.
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty versus laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a case-matched study
If both options would be performed laparoscopically, then it would be a matter of you deciding which procedure you feel the most comfortable with to achieve the long-term results you are looking for.
Endoscopic surgery is performed using a scope, a flexible tube with a camera and light at the tip, allowing the surgeon to see inside and perform procedures without making major incisions, allowing for easier recovery time and less pain and discomfort.
Laparoscopic is performed by making several small incisions in the abdomen, which increases risk when compared to the SAME PROCEDURE performed endoscopically (no incisions).
The approach with the highest risk is open. Bigger incision.
Bigger incision, bigger risk.
One type of surgery that has taken off in the last few years is minimally invasive spine surgery. Many spine surgeries can be done laparoscopically versus open -- even fusions. The difference? Patients that have it done laparoscopically can have it done in an ASC (ambulatory surgical center), meaning they leave the same day, no hospital stay or large incisions in the back.
And...always remember, whichever surgery you have, it's a TOOL, not a magic pill (those don't exist either).
Hope this helps!
