People who have had gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery but are still struggling with weight gain have a new option with the OverStitch™ Endoscopic Suturing System, now available at South Texas Health System Heart.

Luis Reyes, MD, FACS, FASMBS, is the first bariatric surgeon in the region to offer this minimally invasive procedure to patients in the Rio Grande Valley.

While there are a number of reasons why a person may gain weight after weight-loss surgery, one factor could be the gradual stretching of the opening into their stomach. As the opening expands, people who have had weight-loss surgery may feel less full and eat greater portions of food. The OverStitch procedure involves decreasing the size of the opening into the stomach so it returns to the previous, post-operative form.

The advanced technology offered by the OverStitch system, combined with Dr. Reyes’ years of experience, can offer patients a new alternative to reach their target weight.

For more details about the OverStitch procedure, contact our office at 956-664-1616.

How the OverStitch Procedure is Performed

The OverStitch procedure is endoscopic, meaning it’s minimally invasive. Instead of relying on a large incision used in traditional open surgery, surgeons insert a long, flexible tube into your mouth and down your esophagus. The tube carries durable sutures and special instruments used to perform the procedure. Your surgeon will suture the surrounding area of your stomach, making the opening smaller. They may also suture your stomach pouch to decrease its size and restrict the amount of food it can hold.

What Are the Advantages of the OverStitch Procedure?

Doctors may recommend the procedure to some patients because it offers certain benefits, including:

  • Less invasive and no incisions
  • Quicker procedure compared to traditional surgery
  • Outpatient procedure – in and out of the hospital the same day
  • Lower risk of complications during or after the procedure

Is the OverStitch Procedure Right for Me?

Not everyone is a candidate for the OverStitch procedure. This is because weight gain may not be a result of an enlarged opening into the stomach. Talk with your doctor to see if Overstitch surgery is right for you.