What is TORe?
Gastric bypass surgery can help you lose weight by reducing the size of your stomach. But over time the gastric outlet, the opening between your stomach and small intestine created during gastric bypass surgery, can stretch. When this opening stretches, you may start to regain weight.
Transoral outlet reduction is a minimally invasive procedure to reduce the size of the opening between your stomach and small intestine. The procedure is performed using an endoscope, a small tube with a camera your doctor passes through your mouth to your stomach. Then, they use tools attached to the endoscope to place stitches to tighten the opening created during your gastric bypass surgery.
Transoral outlet reduction can help you feel fuller for longer and begin to lose weight again. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, you’ll be able to go home the same day.
Am I a Candidate for Transoral Outlet Reduction?
Transoral outlet reduction is an option for patients who have had previous gastric bypass surgery. If you have had another type of weight loss surgery, another endoscopic bariatric revision procedure could be right for you.
TORe may be an option for you if:
- You have had a previous gastric bypass surgery
- You have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher
- You can commit to diet and lifestyle changes after the procedure
Meet our TORe providers
Choosing Rush for TORe
- Leading endoscopic procedure experts: The Rush bariatric endoscopy team has performed hundreds of bariatric endoscopy procedures. Our physicians are leaders in the field, teaching other physicians across the world how to perform these procedures. Rush experts lead clinical trials and publish research on bariatric endoscopy techniques and outcomes.
- Minimally invasive treatment: Because transoral outlet reduction is performed without large incisions, you’ll be able to recover faster than with traditional surgery, with less pain and minimal scarring.
- Holistic weight loss care: At Rush, you’ll have a team of providers, working together to help you reach your weight loss goals. Your team may include gastroenterologists, medical weight loss specialists and dietitians, to support you before and after your TORe procedure.
- Easy access: The Rush bariatric endoscopy team offers convenient appointments in Chicago, Oak Brook and Munster. If you are considering a TORe procedure in Chicago, you can schedule an initial clinic visit and follow up care close to you.
- Nationally ranked GI care: U.S. News & World Report ranks Rush University Medical Center among the best hospitals in the nation for gastroenterology and GI surgery.
FAQs About Transoral Outlet Reduction
Transoral outlet reduction is a type of bariatric revision, a procedure to restart weight loss after a previous weight-loss surgery. During TORe, your doctor will use a small tube inserted through your mouth, called an endoscope, to tighten the gastric outlet created during your gastric bypass. This helps you feel fuller and can help you restart your weight loss.
How much weight you will lose will depend on your weight before surgery, your diet and other factors. On average, patients lose around 8% to 10% of their body weight after TORe.
Because TORe does not use incisions, you won’t have any large scars. You will spend a few hours in the recovery room after the procedure, then you will be able to go home. Most patients are able to return to work and other activities within a few days.
You will need to follow a liquid diet immediately after a TORe procedure. Your providers will let you know when you can introduce solid foods.
You will need to follow a liquid diet after the TORe procedure, and you will gradually transition to eating more solid foods over several weeks. Your care team will give you specific instructions and let you know what to expect.
Patients who have had a previous gastric bypass surgery and have regained weight or lost less weight than expected after gastric bypass are eligible for a transoral outlet reduction at Rush.
Stomach discomfort and nausea are common for a few days after TORe. Serious side effects are rare.
Insurance coverage for transoral outlet reduction will depend on your plan. Check with your insurer before your procedure. You can find more general information on our insurance page.
Yes. If you had weight loss surgery elsewhere, you can have transoral outlet reduction or other bariatric revision surgery at Rush.
