Mini Gastric Bypass Overview
Similar to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB), mini gastric bypass surgery is used to help an individual lose weight. The mini bypass was created to deliver the results of gastric bypass surgery through a simpler technique that took less time to perform.
During a mini gastric bypass, the surgeon makes the patient’s stomach smaller by dividing it into two unequal parts using surgical staples. The smaller portion of the stomach (about 25% of the original size) will be used going forward and the larger portion will remain unutilized. Next, a large portion of the small intestine is bypassed which does not require as much surgical rerouting as in the traditional gastric bypass surgery.
Mini Gastric Bypass – Procedure Guide
Mini-gastric bypass surgery is performed under general anesthesia with the use of a laparoscope. The surgeon performs the procedure through five small incisions made on the abdomen which are used as access points for the insertion of special surgical instruments. Using these instruments, the top of the stomach is stapled together to separate the stomach into two sections, one much smaller section is shaped into a tube and becomes the new stomach, leaving the remainder of the stomach completely separate.
Next, the surgeon reroutes a section of the small intestine (duodenum) and part of the bowel connecting it to the new smaller stomach. Unlike gastric bypass surgery, the remaining portion of the stomach is not removed but is no longer involved in the digestive process.
How Does Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery Work?
Mini gastric bypass surgery works through both restrictive and malabsorptive techniques. Since the patient’s stomach is made smaller, they are unable to eat as much as they did before the surgery and they feel “full” for a longer time. This is a restrictive technique.
Since a portion of their small intestine has been rerouted, the food that is being digested does not stay in the digestive tract as long, which inhibits the body’s ability to extract all the calories and nutrients from it before it is eliminated. This is a malabsorptive technique. Restricting the amount of food an individual can eat in one meal and preventing the body from absorbing all the calories that are ingested work together resulting in significant weight loss.
Who is the Candidate for a Mini Gastric Bypass?
Candidacy for a mini bypass is determined on a case-by-case basis however, the general guidelines are:
- Patients with a BMI of 40 or greater,
- Patients with a BMI of at least 35 are also suffering from some type of obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
Mini Gastric Bypass – Important Considerations
Patients who are contemplating bariatric surgery should consider a mini bypass due to the high-yield weight loss results and the low-risk factors. Many individuals with higher body weight suffer from diseases that are related to their weight. When they begin to lose weight, these diseases or comorbidities often go into remission or are eliminated. Losing weight and becoming healthier can improve a patient’s quality of life as well as their life expectancy.
Mini Gastric Bypass – Benefits
There are many benefits of undergoing mini gastric bypass surgery aside from the weight loss potential.
- The mini bypass offers very similar results to the full gastric bypass surgery but with the option to reverse the surgery if necessary.
- The surgery requires less time under general anesthesia because it is a shorter procedure.
- The mini bypass offers greater weight loss potential over two years than the gastric bypass.
- Losing weight offers many patients higher self-esteem levels and alleviates obesity-related depression.
- Patients can participate in activities they were unable to before weight loss.
Mini Gastric Bypass – Symptom Alleviation
Many higher body weight-related illnesses can be alleviated by losing weight after a mini gastric bypass including:
- Type 2 diabetes.
- High blood pressure.
- High cholesterol.
- Heart disease.
- Risk of stroke.
- Sleep apnea.
- Gallbladder disease.
- Osteoarthritis – cartilage breaks down in the joints.
- Several types of cancer.
- Degenerative joint diseases.
Mini Gastric Bypass – Expected Results
Similar to other bariatric weight loss surgeries, mini gastric bypass surgery offers patients a tool to effectively lose approximately 75% of their excess body weight over two years. While initial weight loss comparisons between gastric bypass and mini gastric bypass are comparable after 12 months, most patients who had mini gastric bypass surgery surpassed those with gastric bypass at the 2-year mark. Calculate your BMI.
Mini Gastric Bypass – Associated Risk
Any surgical procedure presents associated risks. Mini gastric bypass surgery presents fewer risks than other forms of bariatric surgery but does have possible risks including:
- Ulcers.
- Acid reflux.
- Leaks at the staple line.
- Risks associated with the use of general anesthesia.
- Gastritis.
- Vitamin/nutrient deficiencies.
Mini Gastric Bypass – Cost
Eberbach Plastic Surgery (Division of IBI Healthcare Institute) offers all-inclusive, self-pay pricing. In certain situations, the exact cost of your mini gastric bypass surgery could be offset based on insurance, health status, or other resources. IBI Healthcare Institute offers financing options for qualified patients. The all-inclusive cost includes the price of the surgery and more importantly, the expertise, knowledge, and skill of the surgeon or specialist conducting it. You can learn more about the cost of mini gastric bypass surgery by viewing our pricing page.
How Do I Know if Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery is Right For Me?
To best determine if a mini gastric bypass will provide the results you desire would need to consult with an expert qualified bariatric surgeon. Researching the different weight loss options and surgical procedures available will help you understand the process and prepare you for a consultation.
If you are considering mini gastric bypass surgery to help you with weight loss, contact us today. The experts at Eberbach Plastic Surgery (Division of IBI Healthcare Institute) are here to help you navigate through your weight loss journey. From determining which procedure is best for you to ongoing support throughout the process. Interested in learning more about the benefits of assisted weight loss? Call us at (727) 868-4490 or contact our office to schedule your consultation.