Our Summary

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a type of weight loss surgery that has been popular for many years. However, it doesn’t always work and sometimes causes complications, which means patients often need another surgery. The two most common surgeries after a failed LAGB are sleeve gastrectomy (SG), where part of the stomach is removed, and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), where the stomach is made smaller and the small intestine is rerouted.

This research paper examined existing studies to see how well these two surgeries work and how safe they are. They found that patients who had the RYGB surgery lost more weight one and two years after their surgery. But there was no significant difference in weight loss three, six, or 36 months after surgery.

The RYGB surgery also had more complications and required more interventions and hospital readmissions. It also took longer to perform. Therefore, the researchers suggest surgeons should carefully consider the patient’s overall health and other illnesses when deciding which surgery to perform.

In conclusion, while RYGB showed better weight loss results after one and two years, the long-term effectiveness and safety of both surgeries are still unclear. More high-quality studies are needed to better compare these two surgeries.

FAQs

  1. What are the common surgeries performed after a failed Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB)?
  2. What were the findings of the research paper on the effectiveness and safety of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB)?
  3. What factors should surgeons consider when deciding which surgery to perform after a failed LAGB?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient considering gastric bypass surgery is to thoroughly research and discuss with their healthcare provider the potential risks and benefits of each type of surgery before making a decision. It is important to consider factors such as long-term effectiveness, potential complications, and the impact on overall health. Additionally, patients should be aware of the need for ongoing lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications and regular exercise, to achieve and maintain successful weight loss outcomes after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for gastric bypass surgery are those who are severely obese with a BMI of 40 or higher, or have a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or heart disease. These patients have tried other methods of weight loss, such as diet and exercise, but have not been successful in achieving significant and sustainable weight loss. Gastric bypass surgery is considered a last resort option for these patients to help them achieve significant weight loss and improve their overall health.

Timeline

Overall, before gastric bypass surgery, a patient will typically undergo a series of consultations, tests, and evaluations to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure. They may also be required to make lifestyle changes, such as following a specific diet and exercise regimen.

After gastric bypass surgery, a patient will typically experience a period of recovery and adjustment. They will need to follow a strict diet plan, gradually reintroduce solid foods, and attend follow-up appointments with their healthcare team. Over time, they will likely see significant weight loss and improvements in their overall health and quality of life. However, they may also experience some side effects or complications, such as malnutrition, dumping syndrome, or gallstones, which will need to be managed with the help of their healthcare team.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about gastric bypass surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with gastric bypass surgery?
  2. What is the expected weight loss outcome after gastric bypass surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after gastric bypass surgery?
  4. What dietary and lifestyle changes will I need to make after the surgery?
  5. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery?
  6. Are there any long-term effects or complications I should be aware of?
  7. How will gastric bypass surgery affect my overall health and other medical conditions I may have?
  8. Are there any alternative weight loss treatments or surgeries that may be more suitable for me?
  9. What is your experience and success rate with gastric bypass surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with information on support groups or resources for post-operative care and maintenance of weight loss?

Reference

Authors: Wu C, Wang FG, Yan WM, Yan M, Song MM. Journal: Obes Surg. 2019 Oct;29(10):3252-3263. doi: 10.1007/s11695-019-03988-0. PMID: 31292884