The Gastric Mini Bypass
What is this surgery?
The gastric mini bypass operation is similar to the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery where the stomach is restricted in size and attached to a portion of the small intestines. With a mini gastric bypass procedure, the surgeon separates the stomach into two parts–the first is a tube-like pouch that food will pass through and the second is the portion that will remain present, but dysfunctional in its ability to process food for nutrients or calories. The new smaller section of the stomach is then attached to the small intestine.
How does this surgery work?
By dividing the stomach into two portions, a smaller functional passage and the dysfunctional detached section, the surgeon reduces the size of the patient’s stomach which will cause them to feel fuller with smaller meals. The attachment of the stomach to the small intestine also causes consumed food to bypass areas of the intestine which decreases the patient’s absorption of calories and fat.
Who should do this surgery?
- Patients with a BMI over 40
- Patients with a BMI over 35, and have 2 comorbidities
What are the benefits of this surgery?
- Ongoing weight loss with minimal restrictions on the patient’s diet.
- No need for the implantation of a foreign body.
- The results reach up to 30% excess weight loss in a three-month period and up to 60% weight loss in a two year period.
- This operation has a smaller chance of surgical complications because it has fewer intestinal alterations and also requires fewer follow-up appointments with physicians.