Introduction

Non-adjustable gastric banding, first introduced in the early 1980s, involved the placement of a silicone ring around the upper part of the stomach to restrict food intake and achieve weight loss [1]. Despite initial promising results, complications and weight regain appeared in long-term follow-up, necessitating reoperation for band correction or removal, and conversion to another bariatric procedure [2, 3].

Methods

This video shows a 64-year-old woman with a BMI of 40 kg/m2 and a history of hypertension, hypothyroidism, and asthma, with a non-adjustable gastric band placed in the year 2000 in another hospital, who consulted for weight regain and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. A CT scan and a barium swallow revealed a dilated pouch and the band constricting the middle part of the gastric body. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy did not show band penetration.

Results

Operative technique included extensive lysis of adhesions, complete band dissection until a segment was found eroded into the gastric wall, partial gastrectomy, and conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). An antecolic, hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy and a stapled jejunojejunostomy were created. Petersen’s space was left open, and mesenteric defect was closed using non-absorbable sutures. She had no postoperative complications. At 12 months, she has lost 78.54% of her excess body weight and remains asymptomatic for GERD.

Conclusion

Like other revisional procedures, conversion from a non-adjustable gastric band to RYGB can be technically demanding, with increased morbidity, especially in cases when an erosion is present. In experienced groups, however, it seems to be safe and effective in terms of weight loss and resolution of GERD.