Background

We queried our MSAQIP database for patients that had conversion of Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 to allow for one year follow up. We found 8 patients. Of the 8 charts reviewed, one patient had conversion for poor weight loss and was excluded from analysis.7 patients met our inclusion criteria. They underwent conversion an average of 72 months after VSG for symptoms of severe reflux symptoms, dysphagia, nocturnal reflux and intermittent vomiting. Average LOS was 2 days. At an average of 12 months, 6 patients were off all medications and had no preoperative symptoms. One patient had complaints of subxiphoid burning requiring once daily proton pump inhibitor. She remains non-compliant with any of her education, consuming sugary foods and liquids and gaining weight despite weight loss surgery. She had a history of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (AGB) in 2008, conversion to VSG in 2013, and conversion to RYGB in 2020 for non-resolution of her reflux and regurgitation symptoms as well as poor weight loss. She no longer complains of regurgitation.In our sample size, RYGB appears to be an effective surgical treatment for regurgitation and reflux refractory to medical treatment in patients with VSG. Perhaps earlier intervention in the patient that has persistent reflux symptoms or conversion from AGB directly to RYGB would have resulted in resolution of all of her symptoms.