Conversion of Gastric Banding

The FDA approved the Adjustable Gastric Band for use in America in 2002 and since then, there have been over 100,000 Morbidly Obese individuals whom have chosen this surgery. Recently, with the Media Buzz and Marketing of this innovative surgery, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of patients whishing to have Gastric Banding. Often referred to as a safer alternative to Gastric Bypass surgery, this procedure does in fact work well for many individuals, but not everyone.

While some Bariatric surgeons have abandoned the Gastric Bypass procedure, opting to only perform the Gastric Banding surgery, Dr. Jawad continues to offer both the Adjustable Gastric Band and the Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass surgery to his patients. As an expert in Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery, he is also able to perform the Laparoscopic Conversion of Gastric Banding, to Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass, and is now accepting new patients for this procedure.

Failed Weight Loss After Gastric Banding

Based upon the "Lap Band" FDA's U.S. Clinical Trial data; 7% of patients either gained weight or failed to loose weight after their band was placed. 61% of patients lost at lease 25% of their excess body weight, 52% of patients lost at least 33% of their excess body weight, 22% lost at least 50% of their excess body weight, and 10% lost at least 75% of their excess weight. (Source Lap Band "I Can Succeed Handbook")

Our own 4 year clinical experience with over 400 Gastric Banding patients is very similar to the clinical trials above. In our own patient group the average weight lost over the first year was 38% of the excess body weight, and 48% of the excess body weight at 2 years. In actuality, only half of our patients were able to meet these goals which leaves their weight loss somewhere below average. Only a small percentage of patients (less then 10%) were able to achieve weight loss that is typically seen in the Gastric Bypass population (70-80% EWL). We also have seen a failure to lose weight (less then 10% of the excess body weight) in approximately 8% of our own patients.

Reasons for Conversion to Gastric Bypass

While commonly accepted to be the safer alternative to Gastric Bypass, the Adjustable Gastric Banding surgery is not without its risk of Post Operative complications and need for Re-Operation. The following is a list of potential complications that may occur after Gastric Banding:

Dilation of the Esophagus: This occurs most often due to having a tight band in place for a long period of time, where the esophagus looses it's ability to force food down thru the band and then eventually becomes dilates. This is treated by first removing all the fluid from the band and resting the esophagus for a month. If the dilation resolves the patient may be able to keep the band in place, if it does not, the band must be removed.

Erosion of the Band: Again, this most often occurs in the presence of a tight band, where the band actually grows into the lining of the stomach and potentially can cause a perforation. This complication requires that the Band be removed without exceptions.

Band Intolerance: After the Band has been placed, some patients experience a worsening of their Gastric Reflux, or have vomiting with meals despite being properly adjusted. Patients faces with this intolerance often experience bouts of heartburn, and have problems eating the solid foods that work best for weight loss (often turning into soft food eaters).

While not all Band Complications result in a patient needing to have their band removed, some do. When an Adjustable Gastric Band is removed, and no other procedure is performed, most patients regain any lost weight and continue to be Morbidly Obese. Rather then having their band removed and regaining their weight, these individuals can choose Conversion of Failed Gastric Banding to Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass.

Removal of Gastric Band and Conversion to Roux-Ex-Y Gastric Bypass

Dr. Jawad is able to both remove the Adjustable Gastric Band laparoscopicly, and performs the Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass surgery in approximately 1 hour and 15min. Patients stay in the hospital overnight, and go home the next afternoon. After the conversion, the post operative recovery is no different then for our Gastric Bypass patients.