Weight loss surgery is highly effective for those who have tried and tested multiple other methods of weight management but have not seen the desired results. Additionally, those with obesity-related conditions see a drastic change in their health and wellbeing after undergoing bariatric surgery. The Mini Gastric Bypass procedure, or the One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass, is one of our procedures offered and the results are just as impressive as other weight loss procedures. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
What is the Mini Gastric Bypass procedure?
The Mini Gastric Bypass procedure is similar to the conventional gastric bypass surgery but is performed using a simpler, less time-consuming technique without compromising on results. Gastric bypass surgery is technically more challenging and carries with it slightly more risk, although the chances of something happening are close to zero at our center of excellence.
The Mini Gastric Bypass procedure is one of the newer weight loss procedures and was developed by Dr. Robert Rutledge in 1997. It is quicker and technically easier, making it a preferred option for many patients and surgeons alike. Despite a simplification of the process, it is still restrictive and malabsorptive meaning the stomach size will still be reduced to restrict how much food you can eat, as well as the kinds of food you can eat.
Details of the procedure
The surgery is performed laparoscopically (the use of surgical instruments through small incisions in the abdomen) and takes, on average, 50 minutes less than gastric bypass surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon will split the stomach into two unequal parts, sealing them using surgical staples. The smaller part of the divided stomach — about 25% of its original size — will now be purposed as the main stomach with the rest remaining unused.
The surgeon will attach the remainder of the intestines to the new stomach. Food now flows into your small tube-like stomach and then bypasses between 2 to 7 feet of intestines where it resumes the normal digestive process in the remaining intestine.
Because there is less rerouting of the intestine (anastomosis), the surgery carries with it less risk of complications. Recovery is the same as the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery where patients can expect to stay in the hospital under observation for two days and to resume normal activities after about two weeks. From the moment you walk out of the hospital doors, you will be administered a strict diet to adhere to ensure maximum weight loss results and to make sure you are not overwhelming your new stomach with rich or unhealthy foods.
There are very few surgeons in the country authorized to perform the Mini Gastric Bypass procedure, and the surgeons at Denver Center for Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery are some of them. If you’re looking for effective weight loss solutions and comprehensive care, our team is here to help. Request an appointment for more or compare procedures to see what’s right for you.