Although traditional gastric bypass surgery gives superb results in weight loss, the procedure is technically quite difficult and involves a risk of complications up to 7%, although rate of mortality is very low i.e. around 0.5% as per most studies. Given these risks, mini gastric bypass was created and it’s slowly gaining popularity.
Developed first in 1997 by Dr. Robert Rutledge, the mini gastric bypass is a technically easier and quicker surgery, and carries a lower risk of complications (2.9%) than the traditional gastric bypass surgery.
The mini gastric bypass surgery is restrictive which means that it reduces the size of your stomach thus the amount of food you eat is also reduced, and is malabsorptive which means that it reduces the absorption of food by evading (bypassing) up to 6 feet of intestines. Gastric bypass and mini gastric bypass both are restrictive and malabsorptive, while Lap Band and Gastric sleeve are only restrictive.
Why was Mini Gastric Bypass Invented?
Mini gastric bypass was invented to simplify the procedure, and lessen the operation time and complications. Recent studies reveal that it actually does lessen operation time and overall complications, and produces similar weight loss (or sometimes even more weight loss) as compared to regular gastric bypass surgery.
Does Everyone Choose a Mini Gastric Bypass?
There are some hurdles in the way of obtaining a mini gastric bypass for everyone. Firstly, there are no enough surgeons trained to do this procedure; only a few experts like Γενικος χειρουργος – Dr Δαρδαμανης can do a mini gastric bypass. Secondly, it’s not covered by most insurance providers. Therefore, despite being equal to or slightly better than the regular gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass is still not widespread.
How does the Mini Gastric Bypass Work?
A mini gastric bypass is a quicker procedure compared to the regular laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery. Operation time is reduced by 50 minutes on an average. It contains the following steps:
- Your surgeon will divide your stomach with a laparoscopic stapler. Thus most part of the stomach will now no longer attached to the esophagus and will no longer receive food. Your new stomach will be much smaller and shaped like a small tube.
- Around 2 to 7 feet of intestine will be bypassed. Your surgeon will connect the remaining intestines to your new stomach.
- Food will now pass into your small tube-like stomach and then will bypass 2 to 7 feet of intestines and will resume the normal digestive process in the remaining intestine.
You will usually have to stay overnight in the hospital. Once you’re home, you’ll need to follow a strict diet plan about which your surgeon will instruct you.
Find a qualified surgeon for a mini gastric bypass, if you were planning to get a gastric bypass done, and enjoy superior results.