lapband to gastric sleeve

Question
Hi John,
i am a male 6ft 1ins tall and weigh 380 lbs, with well controlled diabetic and hypertension.
I had a lapband procedure done in 1999. 6 months later my esophagus dilated and they had to diflate the band.
i still have a dilated esophagus and I need advice if a gastric sleeve surgery will help me under my condition. I am in desperate situation I seek advice.
Kindly revert and thanking you in advance

Answer
Mr. Manji,
I am sorry to hear about your trouble with the Lap-Band.  Sometimes the Band may cause esophageal failure, especially if it it tightened too much.

I don't think the sleeve is a good choice for someone who suffers from a failed esophagus.  The sleeve still allows bile and pancreatic digestive juices to travel back up the esophagus and cause heartburn/swallowing symptoms.

The gastric bypass is the preferred solution in the setting of esophageal failure and obesity.  It prevents acid and other digestive juices from going backward into the esophagus and also gives substantial aid in the control of obesity.

I wish you the best of luck!

Dr JP

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