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Band to Bypass Conversion

Adjustable Gastric Banding to Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass conversion:

Not happy with your Lap-band or Realize Band? Haven’t lost enough weight? Tired of pain when you eat or food getting stuck?

Let the Weight & Metabolic Solutions Australia provide you with your second chance

Why choose to convert from an adjustable gastric band to the RYGB?

• Excellent results, >85% excess weight loss even in patients who have only lost minimal amounts of weight with the Lap-Band
• Much better sense of fullness (satiety) than in band patients due to reduction in the size and capacity of the stomach
• Superior appetite suppression
• Minimally invasive approach ? can be performed laparoscopically in ONE step.
• Quick recovery ? 3-4 nights stay in the hospital and back to work in 2 weeks
  

As the popularity of has increased in Australia, so have the problems and complications associated with this approach to surgical weight loss. Issues with band slips, erosions and most commonly inadequate weight loss or weight regain have become an increasing problem, which weight loss surgery medical practitioners must now address. A more important issue (and more neglected) is the long-term complication and failure rate of these devices.

Some reports in the literature looking at results in Lap-Band patients 10 years after surgery report up to a 25% explantation (removal) rate, 10% rate of reoperation to address complications or technical problems and 40% failure rate (not losing enough weight). With more than 400,000 adjustable gastric bands implanted worldwide, this stands to become a sizable problem.

OUR philosophy on converting a Band to the Roux-en-Y gastric Bypass

Because of the unique issues with the gastric band, forward-thinking bariatric surgeons have implemented strategies and algorithms to deal with failures and complications of these devices.

Significant body of evidence suggests that conversion a failed band to RYGB is somewhat superior, yet sleeve gastrectomy is our preferred surgical option in the first instance. 

It is however your choice which operation you select provided you understand all the risks, benefits, advantages and disadvantages.   

Interestingly, the incidence of patients complaining of “troubled eating” (pain with swallowing, regurgitation, heartburn or reflux) was extremely high (>60%), even in individuals who were successful in losing weight with the band. These symptoms disappear when converted to RYGB or VSG .

Amongst ‘banded’ patients who were not successful in losing an adequate amount of weight, many stated that dense foods (chicken, steak and broccoli) were so uncomfortable to consume, that they mostly consumed “soft” calories such as mashed potatoes, cookies, ice cream and pasta, making it essentially impossible for them to reach their surgical weight loss goals.

What can I expect after the conversion to the Gastric Bypass?

We have been revising the adjustable gastric band (Lap-Band and Realize Band) to the RYGB since 2011. The results in terms of %EWL, reduction of appetite and overall sense of satiety have been comparable with the internationally accepted levels – essentially the same as in patients undergoing a RYGB as a primary procedure (individuals who started with a bypass).

We have found that most of our patients agreed that the RYGB produces little or no episodes of “troubled eating” such as pain and vomiting and was universally superior in regards to satiety (sense of fullness) and suppression of appetite (absence of hunger) in comparison to their Band.

Since all patients are unique, Dr. Braun customizes a team approached post-operative plan. We combine the resources of your surgeon, dietitian, psychologist and exercise physiologist to create a strategy that will put you on the road to success and an end to your weight problems.

All considerations of the RYGB remain unchanged. Please refer to the section on RYGB for more detail or make an appointment with Dr Braun for further information

What are the steps involved?

1. Placement on very low calorie diet 2-3 weeks prior to surgery
2. Conversion from Gastric Band to RYGB
3. Recovery plan following your RYGB

To gain a better understanding of your personal weight-loss needs, please use our BMI Calculator on the right of every page, to determine your current Body Mass Index.

You can learn more about bariatric surgery to understand the specific benefits of each of our weight-loss surgeries.

If you are interested in pursuing any of our laparoscopic procedures, or any other surgical weight-loss solution with the Weight & Metabolic Solutions Australia located in North Brisbane, please complete our registration form and return it to us either by email, post, fax, or simply pop in and meet our friendly staff.

To schedule a surgical consultation with Dr Braun, please contact us or call direct on 07 3353 9694

Our alternate web page: www.metabolicsurgeryaustralia.com.au

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