Transoral Outlet Reduction (TORe) in Toronto

A minimally invasive endoscopic procedure for selected people who have regained weight after a gastric bypass. Stitches placed from the inside make the stretched outlet smaller again, with no incisions.

For
People who had a Roux-⁠en-⁠Y gastric bypass
How
Endoscopic, through the mouth
Incisions
None
Time
About 45 to 90 minutes
Home
The same day, for most people
See it in 3D
Fig. 1
A gastric bypass, simplified: the esophagus, a small stomach pouch, the outlet into the small intestine, and the bypassed stomach. After TORe the outlet is smaller, so food stays in the pouch longer. Esophagus Small pouch Outlet Intestine Bypassed stomach
A stretched outlet Food leaves the pouch quickly, so the feeling of fullness fades sooner.

A simplified diagram for education, not to scale.

A minimally invasive revision procedure after gastric bypass

What Is Transoral Outlet Reduction?

Transoral outlet reduction is an endoscopic revision procedure for people who have had a Roux-⁠en-⁠Y gastric bypass.

In short

TORe narrows the stretched outlet of a gastric bypass with stitches placed through the mouth. It aims to restore the feeling of fullness and support weight management. It is not surgery on the belly, and nothing is removed.

During a gastric bypass, a small stomach pouch is joined to the small intestine through an opening called the gastrojejunal anastomosis, or gastric outlet. In some people, this opening slowly stretches over time.

When the outlet is wider, food can leave the pouch more quickly. This can reduce fullness after eating and may lead to larger portions, more hunger or weight regain.

TORe makes the enlarged outlet smaller with stitches placed from the inside. It is done through the mouth, with no incisions on the belly, and no stomach tissue is removed.

  • Through the mouthA flexible endoscope reaches the pouch.
  • Stitches insidePlaced around the outlet, then tightened.
  • Nothing removedNo incisions and no tissue taken out.

At 360 Sleeve in North York, Toronto, TORe is offered in a private clinic as part of our bariatric revision care. A consultation reviews your first procedure, your health today and whether TORe may suit you.

TORe, step by step

Scroll to follow the procedure in 3D: the bypass as it is today, the stretched outlet, the endoscope and the ring of stitches. Scroll back to see any step again.

Fig. 2, Revision and TORe
  1. 01

    After a gastric bypass

    A bypass leaves a small pouch joined directly to the intestine. The old stomach stays in place, unused.

  2. 02

    The outlet can stretch

    Over the years the connection, the outlet, can widen. Food then passes quickly and fullness fades.

  3. 03

    Through the mouth

    TORe is endoscopic: a flexible scope passes through the mouth into the pouch. No incisions.

  4. 04

    Stitches around the outlet

    Stitches are placed in a ring around the outlet from the inside.

  5. 05

    The outlet is narrowed

    Tightening the ring brings the outlet back to a smaller size, so food leaves the pouch more slowly.

  6. 06

    A fuller feeling again

    The scope is removed. Most people go home the same day.

A simplified 3D illustration for education, built from anatomical proportions. Your surgeon explains what applies to you.

Who Is a Candidate for TORe?

TORe may be considered for selected people who had a gastric bypass and now have weight regain or less restriction. Tick what applies to you.

Benefits of TORe

What TORe may offer the right person. Your doctor explains which of these apply to you.

  • 01

    No external incisions

    TORe is done through the mouth with an endoscope, so there are no cuts on the belly and no scars on the skin.

  • 02

    Less invasive than surgical revision

    TORe does not reopen or rebuild the bypass. For the right person, it may mean a shorter recovery than revision surgery.

  • 03

    May restore restriction

    A smaller outlet may help you feel full sooner and stay satisfied longer after eating.

  • 04

    May support renewed weight loss

    TORe may help stop ongoing regain and support more weight loss, together with nutrition, activity, behavioural support and follow-⁠up.

  • 05

    May help with dumping syndrome

    Because it slows how fast food moves into the intestine, TORe may be considered for some people with dumping syndrome. A medical assessment decides if it applies to you.

What Results Can I Expect After TORe?

Results vary. They depend on how much the outlet had stretched, how much weight came back, eating habits, activity, health and taking part in follow-⁠up care.

The aim of TORe is often to stop further regain, restore restriction and support a renewed weight-management plan. People who stay involved with dietary guidance, regular activity, behavioural support and follow-⁠up generally have the best chance of long-term success.

Results vary. No specific amount of weight loss can be guaranteed.

Average total body weight loss after TORe

A published five-year study of people who had TORe after a gastric bypass

  • 1 year
  • 3 years
  • 5 years
These are study averages, not a prediction for you. Some people lose more weight and some lose less. Data were available for fewer people at each later time point.
See the numbers as a table
Time after TOReAverage total body weight lossPeople with data
1 year8.5%276
3 years6.9%211
5 years8.8%102
Source: Jirapinyo P, Kumar N, AlSamman MA, Thompson CC. Five-year outcomes of transoral outlet reduction for the treatment of weight regain after Roux-⁠en-⁠Y gastric bypass. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 2020;91(5):1067-1073. doi.org/10.1016/j.gie.2019.11.044

Recovery After TORe

Because TORe is endoscopic and needs no incisions on the belly, recovery is usually quicker than after surgical revision of a gastric bypass.

  1. The same day

    Home, for most people

    You rest with a nurse while the anesthesia wears off. An overnight stay may be advised if it is medically needed.

  2. The first days

    Liquids and light walking

    A liquid diet first. Some people have nausea, bloating, cramping or belly discomfort for a few days.

  3. Within a few days

    Light daily activities

    Most people are back to light everyday activities within a few days.

  4. About 3 to 7 days

    Back to work

    Many people return to non-strenuous work in about 3 to 7 days, depending on their job.

  5. The weeks after

    Food in stages, exercise slowly

    Puréed, then soft, then regular foods, as your care team advises. Exercise comes back gradually, once your team says it is safe.

Your own plan

Your exact diet, activity limits and follow-⁠up are given to you by your care team. Following them is important while the treated area heals.

How eating in stages works
Risks to know about

Like any procedure, TORe has risks. Most side effects are short-lived, such as a sore throat, nausea or belly discomfort. Less often, there can be bleeding, an ulcer near the outlet, or an outlet that becomes too narrow and makes eating hard, which may need treatment. Your doctor goes through the risks that apply to you.

This page is general information, not medical advice.

Dr. Gary Gamme in black scrubs

Performs TORe at 360 Sleeve

Dr. Gary Gamme

MD, MPH, FRCSC, FACS, DABOM

A bariatric and advanced endoscopic surgeon. He trained in advanced endoscopy at the University of Miami and in bariatric surgery at the University of Ottawa, and holds a Master of Public Health from Harvard. He also performs ESG at 360 Sleeve.

What 360 Sleeve Offers

  • Bariatric and endoscopic surgeonsTORe is performed by Dr. Gary Gamme, a bariatric and endoscopic surgeon.
  • Support before and afterA nurse, a dietitian and a patient care coordinator who know your history.
  • A plan made for youBuilt around your first surgery, your health and your goals.
  • Long-term follow-⁠upCheck-ins after your procedure, and help if things change.
  • Financing optionsBeautifi or Medicard, 6 months to 6 years, for qualified patients.

Whether you are considering TORe, ESG, a gastric sleeve or SADI-⁠S, our team helps you choose a plan that fits your health and goals.

360 SleeveTORe, all-in price
  • Your procedureDr. Gary Gamme and the endoscopy teamIncluded
  • AnesthesiaWith monitoring throughoutIncluded
  • The facilityProcedure room, recovery and nursingIncluded
  • TaxesIncluded in the priceIncluded
Total, taxes included$14,500

How Much Does TORe Cost?

The cost of transoral outlet reduction at 360 Sleeve in Toronto is $14,500, taxes included. Because TORe is done in a private clinic, it is not covered by OHIP. Financing options may be available for qualified patients.

3 years

$467a month at an example 9.9% APR

Financing through Beautifi or Medicard, 6 months to 6 years, no prepayment fees. The lender sets your rate after approval.

At your consultation, our team reviews the full cost, payment and financing options, the expected recovery and whether TORe may be right for you.

All prices

Have Questions About TORe?

The questions people ask most before choosing TORe. Dr. Gamme answers them for your own history at your consultation. This page is general information, not medical advice.

Still wondering? , or ask the assistant in the corner.

  • 01Is TORe a weight-loss surgery?

    TORe is an endoscopic bariatric procedure, not traditional abdominal surgery. It is done through the mouth with an endoscope, so there are no cuts on the skin.

  • 02Is TORe only for gastric bypass patients?

    TORe is mainly for selected people who had a Roux-⁠en-⁠Y gastric bypass and whose outlet has become enlarged. It is not normally used to revise a gastric sleeve or a gastric band.

  • 03Does TORe make my stomach pouch smaller?

    TORe mainly makes the opening between the stomach pouch and the small intestine smaller. In some cases, extra stitches may also be placed in the pouch, depending on your anatomy and your doctor’s plan.

  • 04How much weight can I lose after TORe?

    Weight loss varies. In a published five-year study, average total body weight loss was about 8.8% at five years, but results differ from person to person. No specific amount of weight loss can be guaranteed.

  • 05Will TORe restore my gastric bypass?

    TORe does not repeat or rebuild the whole gastric bypass. It aims to restore some of its restriction by making an enlarged outlet smaller.

  • 06Is TORe permanent?

    The stitches are meant to keep the outlet smaller for the long term, but the body can change over time. Some people see the outlet widen again or regain weight, and may need more treatment.

  • 07Can TORe be repeated?

    In selected cases, another endoscopic treatment may be considered if the outlet widens again or more treatment is needed. This depends on your anatomy, your medical history and how you responded the first time.

  • 08Does TORe leave scars?

    No. There are no scars on the skin, because the procedure is done through the mouth.

  • 09How long does the procedure take?

    TORe often takes about 45 to 90 minutes. The time depends on your anatomy and the techniques needed.

  • 10Will I stay overnight?

    Most people go home the same day. An overnight stay may be recommended if it is medically needed.

  • 11When can I return to work?

    Many people return to non-strenuous work in about 3 to 7 days. Your doctor gives you advice based on your recovery and your job.

  • 12What can I eat after TORe?

    You start with a liquid diet, then move to puréed, soft and regular foods in stages. Your care team gives you a structured plan to follow.

  • 13Can TORe treat dumping syndrome?

    TORe may help some people with dumping syndrome after a gastric bypass, because it slows how fast food moves into the small intestine. A medical assessment is needed to know if it is right for your symptoms.

  • 14What happens if TORe is not suitable for me?

    Your bariatric team may talk with you about other options, such as nutrition care, anti-obesity medication, behavioural support, another endoscopic procedure or surgical revision.

  • 15Who performs TORe at 360 Sleeve?

    Dr. Gary Gamme, MD, MPH, FRCSC, FACS, DABOM, a bariatric and advanced endoscopic surgeon.

  • 16How much does TORe cost?

    TORe at 360 Sleeve is $14,500, taxes included. It is done in a private clinic, so OHIP does not cover it. Financing may be available for qualified patients.

Your first step is a conversation

A free consultation, in person in North York or online. Meet the team, ask anything and leave with a clear plan and price.

Request a free consultation

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Free and with no obligation. We call you to confirm a time.

(416) 360-⁠7360 sleeve@clinic360.com 1131A Leslie St #300, Toronto, ON M3C 3L8

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