Weight Loss after Laparoscopic Band-to-Bypass Revision Compared with Primary Gastric Bypass: Long-term Outcomes

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is frequently performed as a salvage operation after failed laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). Reports about long-term outcomes are lacking. We assessed the long-term outcomes of RYGB revision surgery after failed LAGB (study group, n=44) and compared these outcomes with a demographically matched group who underwent primary RYGB (control group, n=82). There were no between-group differences in sex distribution, age, or initial weight characteristics. At 2 years after RYGB, the mean ΔBMI was 11.8±5.7 kg/m² in the study group and 15.6±4.2 kg/m² in the control group (P=0.01); the corresponding %EWL values were 57% and 78% (P=0.005). At 6 years after RYGB, the mean ΔBMI was 10±4.5 kg/m² in the study group and 13.6±5.7 kg/m² in the control group (P=0.006); the corresponding %EWL values were 53% and 66% (P=0.04). In conclusion, this study supports the safety and favorable weight-loss outcome of LAGB revision to RYGB. However, the results are inferior to those of primary RYGB.