Results of conversion of gastric banding to gastric bypass in patients between 50 and 60 years of age are similar to those observed in younger patients

Background: The effect of age and gender on outcomes of revisional bariatric surgery has not been assessed. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing revision from laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) to laparoscopic roux en Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) between 2007 and 2017 was performed. Patients were divided according to gender and age (<50 and ≥ 50 years), and the outcomes of the subgroups were compared. Results: During the study period, 161 revisional LRYGBs were performed. Postoperative percentage of total body weight loss was comparable between the subgroups. No significant difference was observed between the groups in the improvement/resolution of comorbidities. Overall early complication rates were comparable, however major postoperative bleeding was more common in older patients (6.7 vs. 0.9%, p = 0.03). More late complications were demonstrated in females when compared to males (14.3 vs. 2.0%, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Revisional LRYGB after failed LAGB yields acceptable results, regardless of patient gender and age.