Conversion of Sleeve Gastrectomy to Gastric Bypass: Improved GERD Management and Weight Loss

Sleeve Gastrectomy has become a widely adopted procedure for weight loss. However, its success is sometimes overshadowed by complications such as postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and weight recurrence. As a result, converting Sleeve Gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass has emerged as a potential solution. To explore the effectiveness of this conversion, a comprehensive study was conducted across 41 hospitals in Michigan from 2014 to 2022.

The study highlights several significant benefits of converting sleeve gastrectomy to Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass:

Improved GERD Symptoms

One of the primary motivations for converting Sleeve Gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is the management of GERD. Dr. Alexander Abkin, a bariatric surgeon based in New Jersey, emphasizes the effectiveness of this approach. “The conversion to Gastric Bypass can drastically reduce GERD symptoms. Our patients frequently report substantial relief after the procedure,” says Dr. Abkin. The study supports this, with GERD-HRQL scores dropping significantly from 24.6 to 6.6. Additionally, the need for anti-reflux medication decreased from 74% to 27% within a year of conversion.

Significant Weight Loss

Weight management is another crucial aspect where conversion shows notable improvement. Patients experienced an average weight loss of 68.4 pounds, which translates to a 24.3% reduction in total body weight and a 51.5% decrease in excess body weight. According to Dr. Abkin, “The conversion not only addresses GERD but also substantially aids in further weight reduction, which can be crucial for long-term success in managing obesity.”

The findings from this large-scale study demonstrate that converting Sleeve Gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass offers significant benefits, particularly in managing GERD and achieving substantial weight loss. The procedure has proven effective in alleviating GERD symptoms and reducing the reliance on anti-reflux medications. However, as Dr. Abkin advises, “Every patient’s case is unique, and the decision to convert should be tailored to the individual’s overall health profile and comorbidities.”

This research underscores the importance of personalized treatment strategies in bariatric surgery and offers valuable insights for patients and surgeons considering conversion from Sleeve Gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.