About Gastric Bypass & Mini Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass surgery, also known as Roux-en-Y surgery, is a type of bariatric surgery used to treat people who are obese or have been unable to lose weight by conventional methods such as diet and exercise. This treatment aids in weight loss by shrinking the stomach and rerouting a part of the small intestine. This restricts the amount of food the patient can eat at one time and inhibits calorie and nutrient absorption from food.
A modern alternative to the traditional gastric bypass is the mini gastric bypass, also known as a single anastomosis gastric bypass (SAGB). Similarly, the mini gastric bypass aids with weight loss by decreasing the amount of food that may be eaten at one time and reducing calorie and nutrient absorption from food. This is done by constructing a tiny stomach pouch and connecting it to the small intestine.
Commonly asked questions about Gastric Bypass & Mini Gastric Bypass
Before undertaking any procedure, you will want to be confident in your knowledge. Find the details on Gastric Bypass & Mini Gastric Bypass here.
1. What is a gastric bypass & mini gastric bypass?
A gastric bypass and a mini gastric bypass are two types of weight loss procedures that involve rerouting the digestive system to assist individuals in losing weight. While both procedures entail forming a smaller stomach pouch and linking it to the small intestine, a standard gastric bypass bypasses the remainder of the stomach and upper small intestine, whereas a mini gastric bypass does not. Both procedures result in significant weight loss, increased quality of life, improved insulin sensitivity, and long-term weight loss that can be maintained through healthy habits.
3. Gastric bypass vs. mini gastric bypass
Both a gastric bypass and a mini gastric bypass procedure have their own set of advantages, and the decision between them is based on individual factors such as the patient’s medical history, the severity of obesity, and personal preference. It is important to discuss which procedure best fits your unique needs and goals with your qualified & preferred provider and to learn the advantages and disadvantages of each option before making a decision.
Gastric Bypass: A gastric bypass accelerates weight loss by creating deliberate caloric malabsorption. This bariatric surgery creates a small stomach pouch and bypasses a part of the small intestines, which causes patients to feel satisfied sooner as well as absorb fewer calories.
Mini Gastric Bypass: The results of a traditional gastric bypass surgery are duplicated in a mini gastric bypass procedure. Rather than dividing the small bowel and attaching the Roux-en-Y to the gastric pouch, the surgeon will bypass a portion of the intestines by reducing the size of the stomach, creating a small pouch, and connecting it to the small intestine. The mini gastric bypass involves only one anastomosis, or connection, between the stomach and small intestine.
4. How is a gastric bypass performed?
Step One – Anesthesia
You will be administered general anesthesia for your gastric bypass surgery to keep you comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
Step Two – Incision
The specifics of the gastric bypass will depend on the individual situation and the preferred surgeon’s methods. Most gastric bypass procedures are done laparoscopically, which involves multiple small incisions in the abdomen. After making the incisions needed to insert the laparoscope, the stomach will be shrunken, creating a stomach pouch about the size of an egg.
The surgeon will then cut the small intestine, hooking one end, known as the Roux-en-Y limb, up the stomach pouch and rejoining the other end lower down on the small intestine.
Step Three – Closing the Incisions
Sutures or surgical glue will be used to close the minor incisions.
Step Four – Monitoring
Gastric bypass surgery is often carried out in a hospital setting. Following the surgery, patients are typically taken to a recovery room for one to two days, where healthcare providers will monitor you for any complications.
5. How is a mini gastric bypass performed?
Following general anesthesia, the mini gastric bypass is performed laparoscopically and as a two-part procedure.
Part One – Reducing the Size of the Stomach
The stomach will be divided lengthwise into a smaller section or pouch, reducing the stomach size to around one-quarter of its original size.
Part Two – New Connection
The newly formed gastric pouch will be anastomosed to the small intestine, forming a new connection between the smaller stomach pouch and the small intestine. The remaining parts of the stomach and small intestine are bypassed, meaning they are no longer required for food digestion or absorption. The incisions in the abdomen are closed with sutures or surgical staples.
7. What is recovery like after a gastric bypass vs. a mini gastric bypass?
The recovery time after a gastric bypass or mini gastric bypass depends on a number of factors, including the individual’s age, overall health, and the surgical technique used.
Following both surgeries, most patients stay overnight and return home within one to two days to recover. Patients may experience discomfort and soreness at the incision sites but should be able to return to work and mild regular activities within two to four weeks. Strenuous activities should be avoided for three to six weeks following surgery. However, due to the mini gastric bypass’ minimally invasive nature, patient’s may be able to return to regular routines and activity sooner. Typically, the preferred provider will suggest a strict diet to avoid deficiency while healing, in addition to frequent medical appointments to assess health and progress in the first few months following weight-loss surgery.
8. How long will the results last?
Gastric bypass and mini gastric bypass can result in long-term weight loss. The amount of weight lost varies depending on the patient and their lifestyle changes. Patients often lose 70% or more of their excess weight in the first year to a year and a half after gastric bypass or mini gastric bypass surgery. To avoid regaining weight, it is vital to adhere to the prescribed dietary and exercise changes recommended by your preferred provider.
Aside from weight loss, the surgeries may help to resolve conditions commonly associated with obesity, such as heart disease, high cholesterol, and blood pressure, and patients may also experience an improvement in their cardiovascular health, energy levels, and overall quality of life.
9. What are the risks of a gastric bypass or mini gastric bypass?
Gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass, and weight loss procedures, in general, pose potential risks and side effects that include, but are not limited to:
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia
- Leaks in the gastrointestinal system
- Lung or breathing problems
Longer-term risks and complications can include:
- Ulcers
- Stomach perforation
- Vomiting
- Bowel obstructions
- Gallstones
- Malnutrition
- Gastrointestinal problems (dumping syndrome)
10. How much does a gastric bypass vs. a mini gastric bypass cost in Canada?
The cost of a gastric bypass surgery and mini gastric bypass surgery can vary depending on several factors such as geographic location, the surgeon & their experience, and additional cost elements such as anesthesia fees, hospital charges, medical tests, and related expenses. In Canada, the cost of a gastric bypass surgery ranges from $12,000 to $20,000 whereas a mini gastric bypass is projected to be less expensive as the treatment is less complex and requires less surgical time.
