Adding a Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band to a Previous Gastric Bypass

Sometimes people that have undergone a gastric bypass procedure experience weight regain several years after having initial success. The reasons for this are varied but include dilation or stretching of the gastric pouch. In addition, sometime the connection between the gastric pouch and intestine, referred to as a stoma, becomes dilated or stretched. Bypass patients no longer experience that send of restriction or fullness they once had. These problems often lead to weight regain. Patients often become very frustrated when this happens and can often gain even more weight because of emotional eating.

For some gastric bypass patients that have experienced weight regain the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band may be a successful option. The adjustable gastric band can be placed around the gastric bypass thereby restoring restriction and reversing the undesired weight gain. Not all gastric bypass patients are eligible for this surgery. A great deal depends on the anatomy of your pouch and the manner it is connected to your intestine. Patients will be required to undergo an endoscopy as well as an upper GI series. These studies will elucidate your anatomy as well as potential problems that may prevent you from undergoing conversation of bypass to adjustable gastric band surgery.

The addition of an adjustable gastric band to a bypass is still a relatively new procedure. However there are several published reports in the surgical literature which have documented success. Dr. Domkowski has done this procedure several times and his patients are enjoying significant success with losing weight once again!