What to Expect from Your Sleeve Retightening Procedure

Bariatric surgery, particularly sleeve gastrectomy, has become a popular option for those looking to achieve significant weight loss and improve their overall health. But the journey to a healthier you doesn't end with the surgery itself. 

You discover that you need a sleeve retightening procedure to optimize your results and maintain your weight loss. 

If you've already undergone a sleeve gastrectomy and want to consider a sleeve retightening procedure, our expert medical team here at Peachtree Surgical & Bariatrics in Atlanta, Georgia, can help you understand what to expect.

Understanding sleeve gastrectomy

To understand sleeve retightening, we first need to briefly review what a sleeve gastrectomy is. This surgical procedure involves removing a portion of your stomach, leaving behind a narrow, tube-like structure often referred to as a "sleeve." 

The goal is to minimize the amount of food you can consume to promote weight loss. But over time, your stomach may stretch, reducing the effectiveness of the initial surgery.

Reasons for sleeve retightening

The primary reason for a sleeve retightening procedure is to address issues related to your stomach stretching or dilating over time. When this happens, you may experience less restriction, allowing you to consume larger quantities of food, which can lead to weight gain. 

A retightening procedure can restore your stomach's original restrictive capacity, helping you maintain your weight loss and health goals.

Consultation and evaluation

Together, we can determine if a sleeve retightening procedure is necessary. We begin with a consultation that involves evaluating your current health status, reviewing your medical history, and discussing your weight loss journey. This thorough assessment helps us know if a retightening procedure is the right course of action for you.

Procedure details

We usually perform sleeve retightening using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy. This means smaller incisions, less scarring, and a shorter recovery period compared to open surgery. 

During the procedure, we remove a portion of your stretched stomach and reshape the sleeve to its original size and capacity.

Recovery and postop care

Recovery time can vary, but most of our patients return to their normal activities within a few weeks. 

After the procedure, we closely monitor you to ensure proper healing. You also receive dietary guidelines to follow during the initial stages of recovery, gradually transitioning to solid foods as your body adapts.

Lifestyle changes

Just like with your initial sleeve gastrectomy, you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle after your sleeve retightening procedure. You should continue making smart choices like:

• Prioritizing nutrition
• Eating balanced meals
• Consuming balanced portions of food
• Incorporating regular physical activity into your routine

These lifestyle changes are essential for long-term success.

Follow-up and support

Regular follow-up appointments with us are essential after a sleeve retightening procedure. These appointments allow us to continue monitoring your progress and any potential issues. It’s also a time for us to address any questions or concerns you may have regarding your weight loss journey.

Realistic expectations

While sleeve retightening can be highly effective in helping you maintain your weight loss, you should have realistic expectations. The surgery serves as a tool, but success ultimately depends on your commitment to sticking with good choices throughout your life.

A sleeve retightening procedure isn’t a one-and-done solution; ongoing commitment to a healthy lifestyle is essential. 

If you're considering a sleeve retightening procedure, call our friendly staff at 404-977-5824 today.