Lap Band to Gastric Bypass Revision in Mexico

A majority of individuals achieve reasonable outcomes with the lap band bariatric surgery but there are some who experience complications or do not succeed to lose weight. Revision weight loss surgery in Mexico from Lap Band to Gastric Bypass may be an alternative for those who have not had satisfactory results from the primary surgery.

The conversion from lap band to gastric bypass is achieved by removing the band first and then performing the revision gastric bypass surgery.

While lap band does not require any alteration to your digestive tract but with gastric bypass, digestive tract is rerouted to cut down the food intake. During the gastric bypass procedure, the bariatric surgeon staples the stomach and connects the new smaller pouch to the middle part of the small intestine.

Causes of Revision Surgery after LAGB

Under what circumstances does one need to remove the gastric band (LAGB)? Some indications for lap band removal include:

Weight Regain or Insufficient Weight Loss

According to a study by Kowalewski and colleagues,1 nearly 60% of the individuals who underwent lap band, had to get it removed and the prime reason cited was weight regain in 40% of the individuals.

According to the same study, inadequate %EWL (excess weight loss) is also one of the drawbacks of LAGB (laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding) 1.

Lap Band Complications

Port Problem

Kowaleswski and colleagues1 also found that certain port problems like infection and dislocation account for nearly 21% of the cases for band removal.

Pouch Dilatation and Reflux

Some people develop esophageal dilation (expansion of tissue) due to prolonged use of the gastric band, while some develop heartburn signs after lap band surgery.

In both these cases, if medication does not help resolve the problem, lap band removal may alleviate the symptoms. Pouch dilatation and reflux account for 16% of the total problems1.

Band Erosion

If the band erodes in the stomach and the problem remains unresponsive to medications, band removal may be recommended. Nearly 5% of the cases of failure can be attributed to band erosion (Kowaleswski and colleagues)1.

Band Slippage

Slipping of the band constitutes nearly 25% of the problems 1. The band slips down the stomach and creates a bigger pouch on top of the band. At times, this situation is dealt with the removal of the fluid from the band but sometimes it becomes necessary to remove the band.

Band Intolerance

Band intolerance symptoms may include extreme nausea and vomiting.

Causes	%1
Port problem (infection, dislocation)	21
Slippage	25
Pouch dilatation and reflux	16
Band erosion	5
Co-existing or independent weight gain	40

Our Lap Band Revision Packages for Mexico

We offer multidisciplinary bariatric program in Mexico, which includes:

• Transportation to and from the airport/surgery center/hotel
• Anesthesiologist’s fees
• Surgeon’s fees
• Pre and post-op medication
• Operating room costs
• Pre and post-op evaluations
• FREE calling to the U.S. and Canada
• Post-op recovery in a safe and sound environment
• FREE online membership of bariatric support groups and webinars
• A dedicated Client Manager to assist you along the entire process
• Dietary instructions and counseling by US registered nutritionist to aid recovery procedure

Note: Cost of flight is not included in the packet. TnC apply (above package inclusions are for Tijuana; contact us for information on other parts of Mexico)

Why Choose Mexico for Gastric Band Revision Surgery?

Wide Network

We work with top bariatric surgeons and surgery centers in Tijuana, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Mexicali. We have a wide network of hospitals with outstanding facilities.

Proximity

Mexico is closer to the US than other medical tourism destinations. Thus, it does not require much travel time to and from home. Direct flights and easy connectivity from most of the US cities is an added advantage.

Lower Surgery Costs

The cost of weight loss surgery in Mexico is much lower than the US or Canada. This is because there are fewer overheads involved south of the border. Cost of living, salaries and administrative costs are less, resulting in lower surgery costs.

Vacation Opportunity

Mexico offers a relaxing environment to de-stress and one can travel to enjoy a break prior to the surgery. If requested, we can help plan a sightseeing trip in Tijuana.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) Procedure

Weight Loss with RYGB is achieved by limiting the food intake because of smaller stomach pouch.

• The surgery may be performed laparoscopically. The surgeon makes several small cuts or incisions in the abdomen and inserts a laparoscope and surgery apparatus into these cuts.
• A small stomach pouch is made with the help of a laparoscopic stapler in the upper part of the stomach.
• The smaller pouch is connected to the middle part of the small intestine bypassing the remaining stomach.

Benefits of Band to Bypass Revision Bariatric Surgery

Ricardo Zorron and colleagues2 state that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is considered the gold standard and a commonly performed bariatric surgery.

• Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) conversion to RYGB confirms good clinical results2.
• Fewer complications and 0% mortality was reported in the study2
• At a period of 10 years, weight loss and other results are similar to that of RYGB as original procedure2

Excess Weight Loss (%EWL)

As per a 2017 study by Sillen L and colleagues there is weight loss of 43.4 kg after one year3.

The pre-op weight of those studied was 135 kg and weight after one year follow-up was 92 kg, after 2 years it was 90.1 and in the 3rd year, it was 91.7. Improvement was also seen in BMI, which was 31.7, 31 and 31.1 at first, second and third year.

	Pre-op	After 1 Yr	After 2 Yr	After 3 Yr
Weight (kg)	135	92	90.1	91.7
BMI (kg/m2)	46.5	31.7	31	31.1
Weight Loss (kg)		43.4	44.6	44.3
EWL%		72.6	73.9	73.6

Resolution of Obesity-Related Comorbidities

Sillen L and colleagues state that diabetes remission rates were 66% at 3 year follow-up3.

The rate of diabetes remission after surgery was 56% at one-year follow-up, 63% after two years, and 66% after three years. The corresponding figures for hypertension were 39%, 41%, and 57%, and for hyperlipidemia 54%, 34%, and 74%.

Follow-up ->	1 Year	2 Year	3 Year
Diabetes Remission Rate	56%	63%	66%
Hypertension	39%	41%	57%
Hyperlipidemia	54%	34%	74%

Improvement in Quality of Life

With remission in weight related comorbidities and more than 70% weight loss at year, the study suggests improvement in quality of life for those undergoing RYGB3.

RYGB Reduces Long‐Term Risks of Congestive Heart Failure

Benotti PN and colleagues state that people who undergo RYGB surgery lessen their risk of any major cardiovascular problem by nearly half4.

FAQ

What does the first appointment include?

Your first appointment with us may include:

• A comprehensive physical examination
• Meeting with a bariatric surgeon
• Past history about medications and discussing lap band failure reasons

How long will I be in the hospital after Lap Band to RYGB surgery?

Your hospital stay after revision gastric bypass in Mexico will be between 2-3 days

When can I return to work post surgery?

You may be able to return to work after about 2-4 weeks. But, it depends on your overall well-being and recovery.

What about excess skin after bariatric surgery?

The extra skin may be due to weight loss or other related reasons. We offer option of plastic surgery after bariatric surgery in Mexico.

What about vitamins and additional supplements?

Yes, you will be required to take additional supplements throughout your life after your revision weight loss surgery.

When to call the doctor?

After your Revisional Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery (RYGB), if you develop any of the below mentioned symptoms, call your doctor right away:

• High fever
• Pain in wound or fluid leakage
• Breathlessness or coughing
• Vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea
• Pain in the abdomen or chest

What about diet after revision weight loss surgery?

Consuming healthy and nutritious food post surgery is essential so that you lose excess weight and keep it off for longer.

To aid your weight loss and keep you motivated, MBS offers the following:

• FREE access to webinars and support groups moderated by bariatric experts
• A nutritionist will also help you with pre and post-op dietary needs

Your diet post-op may include:

• Liquid diet for the first week
• During 2-4 week, protein shakes and skimmed milk
• Gradually you can advance to pureed and soft food diet
• Make sure you eat small portions all through the day and don’t stuff yourself at once

Remember, shedding those extra kilos and maintaining your ideal weight over a long period of time requires consistency and making healthy lifestyle choices.

References:

1. Kowalewski PK, Olszewski R, Kwiatkowski AP, Paśnik K. Revisional bariatric surgery after failed laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding – a single-center, long-term retrospective study. Videosurgery and other Miniinvasive Techniques. 2017;12(1): 32-36. doi:10.5114  / wiitm.2017.66671. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5397551/
2. ZORRON, Ricardo, GALVÃO-NETO, Manoel Passos, CAMPOS, Josemberg, BRANCO, Alcides José, SAMPAIO, José, JUNGHANS, Tido, BOTHE, Claudia, BENZING, Christian, & KRENZIEN, Felix. (2016). FROM COMPLEX EVOLVING TO SIMPLE: CURRENT REVISIONAL AND ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURES FOLLOWING BARIATRIC SURGERY. ABCD. Arquivos Brasileiros de Cirurgia Digestiva (São Paulo), 29(Suppl. 1), 128-133.
3. Sillén L, Andersson E. Patient Factors Predicting Weight Loss after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. Journal of Obesity. 2017;2017:3278751. doi:10.1155/2017/3278751. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5449731/
4. Benotti PN, Wood GC, Carey DJ, et al. Gastric Bypass Surgery Produces a Durable Reduction in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Reduces the Long‐Term Risks of Congestive Heart Failure. Journal of the American Heart Association: Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease. 2017;6(5): e005126.  doi:10.1161 / JAHA.116.005126. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5524077/

For more information on lap band to gastric bypass conversion in Mexico, contact us now!