Mini Gastric Bypass

Why is a Mini Gastric Bypass Better than a Traditional Bypass

It is generally accepted that traditional gastric bypass surgery provides excellent weight loss, however the procedure is technically challenging and carries a 7% complication risk.  Consequently, the mini-gastric bypass procedure was introduced by Dr. Robert Rutledge in 1997 and is now generally favoured by most bariatric surgeons.   The mini-gastric bypass is takes less time than the traditional bypass and is a more straight forward procedure that has a lower complication rate.

The operation reduces the size of the stomach, restricting the amount you can eat.  The procedure also reduces absorption of food by bypassing up to 6 feet of intestines.

WHY WAS THE MINI-GASTRIC BYPASS CREATED?

The mini-gastric bypass was developed to reduce the length of the bypass operation and to reduce the number of complications There is recent evidence to suggest  that the mini-gastric bypass delivers more weight loss.

PROCEDURE INFORMATION

The operation is fully reversible.

The Mini Gastric Bypass creates a small elongated stomach pouch using laparoscopic stapling from which the rest of the stomach is permanently divided and separated.  Food is not able to enter the stomach below the staple line the stomach keeps obtained but no food will enter here. The stomach will still produce gastric juices and enzymes essential for digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Approximately 6 feet of intestines are bypassed and the remainder of the intestines are attached to the new stomach.  This reduces the amount of food absorption into the body.

RECOVERY

After surgery you will have some belly pain, especially at your incision sites however this is managed by the use of normal painkillers. The incision sites, usually 5, are between 5mm and 12mm in length. This is where the surgeon inserted ports to access your abdomen.

You will normally stay in hospital for approximately 3 – 4 days after your procedure so that you can be monitored and given relevant aftercare.

Once you are home, you’ll be required to follow a strict diet. A liquid diet (soft food) is usually required for the first two weeks after surgery such as protein shakes, water, pureed soft foods, and soup.   At Gastric Surgery abroad we will provide post operative nutritional advice.

After two weeks, soft foods are introduced.  And after a month you’ll be back to normal foods.  However, you’ll be asked to follow a new diet that will include more protein, vegetables and fruit. Your stomach is much smaller and there is no room for junk food (you need to maximize nutrients from every bite you eat).

You’ll be encouraged to get up and move every day after surgery. The first few days usually include walks around the house.   We recommend gradually increasing exercise with each week following your procedure.