The Mini Gastric Bypass (MGB), also called Single-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass, surgery is similar in nature to the traditional gastric bypass surgery but it bypasses up to six feet of intestines. The procedure is both malabsorptive and restrictive in nature. It restricts the amount of food you can hold in your stomach but also provides with a lack of calorie absorption from the food coming into the body. The process is less invasive than the standard gastric bypass and provides patients with a reduced surgery time of up to 50 minutes less. The mini-gastric bypass has a smaller pouch and is still connected to the remaining intestines.
With Mini Gastric Bypass surgery:
- Weight loss will occur.
- Short operating time compared to other surgeries of this kind.
- Severe acid reflux is possible.
- Fewer complication chances
- You may experience dumping syndrome if too much food is eaten.
- A lifestyle and diet change is necessary to cope with changes in the procedure.
- Hunger may be reduced, but cravings could still be present.
- Recovery time is shorter.
- Not offered by all bariatric surgeons.
How Mini Gastric Bypass Works
During the Mini Gastric Bypass surgery, the surgeon will employ a laparoscopic stapler to staple will be closed off primarily from the esophagus. The smaller stomach or pouch will be shaped much like a tube and will be the location for food to be directed. Approximately 2 to 7 feet of the intestines is going to be bypassed by the surgery with a reconnection to the remainder intestines. The food will flow into the small stomach resembling a tub and then it will be reintroduced to the intestines in the new location where it will continue through the digestive process and finish out the journey.
Amount of Weight Loss to Expect
Average weight loss for individuals participating in Mini Gastric Bypass is similar to that of patients participating in standard gastric bypass surgery. The average loss of excess weight is approximately 50% in the first year following the procedure with a total of up to 80% of weight loss by the end of the third year following the surgery. The results will vary and depend greatly on the patient’s ability to follow guidelines and restructure lifestyle and dietary habits.