Revision of failed gastric banding to mini-gastric bypass

Although laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) has been found to be a generally successful weight loss operation, there are reports of occasional LAGB failure. The results of rescue procedures for these patients are important. The mini-gastric bypass (MGB) is a safe and effective alternative to other bariatric surgical procedures. We report the results of conversion of 3 failed LAGB procedures to MGB.

In a series of 2,595 patients who underwent MGB, 3 had previously undergone an LAGB that failed to sustain weight loss.

Average operative time was 54 minutes in LAGB conversions to MGB (compared to 37.5 minutes in primary MGB), and length of stay was 1 day. There were no complications in the patients converted MGB. The weight loss in converted MGB patients was similar to the weight loss in primary MGB patients, with a mean weight loss at 1 year of 60 kg (79% of excess weight)

Conversion of failed LAGB to MGB was a safe procedure that added approximately 20 minutes to the short MGB operating time. Patient satisfaction was high, recovery was rapid, and weight loss was very good.