What is a Mini Gastric Bypass?
Similar to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery (RYGB), Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery (Mini RYGB) is used to help an individual lose weight. The mini bypass was created to deliver the results of gastric bypass surgery through a simpler technique that took less time to perform.
During mini-bypass surgery, the surgeon makes the patient’s stomach smaller by dividing it into two unequal parts using surgical staples. The smaller portion of the stomach (about 25% of the original size) will be used going forward and the larger portion will remain unutilized. Next, a large portion of the small intestine is bypassed which does not require as much surgical rerouting as in a traditional gastric bypass.
How is a Mini Bypass Performed?
Mini-gastric bypass surgery is performed under general anesthesia with the use of a laparoscope. The surgeon performs the procedure through five small incisions made on the abdomen which are used as access points for the insertion of special surgical instruments.
Using these instruments, the top of the stomach is stapled together to separate the stomach into two sections, one much smaller section is shaped into a tube and becomes the new stomach, leaving the remainder of the stomach completely separate.
Next, the surgeon reroutes a section of the small intestine (duodenum) and part of the bowel connecting it to the new smaller stomach. Unlike gastric bypass surgery, the remaining portion of the stomach is not removed but is no longer involved in the digestive process.
How does a Mini Gastric Bypass work?
Mini RYGB surgery works through both restrictive and malabsorptive techniques. Since the patient’s stomach is made smaller, they are unable to eat as much as they did before the surgery and they feel “full” for a longer time. This is a restrictive technique.
Since a portion of their small intestine has been rerouted, the food that is being digested does not stay in the digestive tract as long, which inhibits the body’s ability to extract all the calories and nutrients from it before it is eliminated. This is a malabsorptive technique.
Restricting the amount of food an individual can eat in one meal and preventing the body from absorbing all the calories that are ingested work together resulting in significant weight loss.
Who is a Candidate for a Mini Bypass?
Candidacy for a mini bypass is determined on a case by case basis however, the general guidelines are:
Patients with a BMI of 40 or greater.
Patients with a BMI of at least 35 and are also suffering from some type of obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
Why consider a Mini Gastric Bypass?
Patients who are contemplating bariatric surgery should consider a mini bypass due to the high-yield weight loss results and the low-risk factors. Many obese patients suffer from diseases that are related to their weight. When they begin to lose weight, these diseases or comorbidities often go into remission or are eliminated completely. Losing weight and becoming healthier can improve a patient’s quality of life as well as their life expectancy.
What are the Benefits of a Mini Gastric Bypass?
Compared to full gastric bypass, mini bypass has the additional option to reverse the procedure if necessary.
Losing weight offers many patients higher self-esteem levels and alleviates obesity-related depression.
The mini bypass requires less time under general anesthesia because it is a shorter procedure.
Patients are able to participate in activities they were unable to prior to weight loss.
The mini bypass offers greater weight loss potential over a two-year period than the gastric bypass.
Gastric Bypass vs. Mini Gastric Bypass
| Gastric Bypass | Mini Bypass | |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Requirements | BMI of 40+ or 35+ at least one obesity-related comorbidity | Same as RYGB however if the patient has a history of acid reflux or GERD it may disqualify them as a candidate |
| Reversal Potential | Permanent Alterations | Eligible for revision and reversal is possible |
| Average Cost | $23,000 | $20,000 |
| Average Recovery | 4 – 6 Weeks | 2 – 3 Weeks |
| Insurance | Most Carriers Provide Coverage | Not Yet Covered By Most Carriers |
| Weight Loss Potential | 60% – 70% of excess weight after 12 months | 60% – 70% of excess weight after 12 months and surpassed RYGB patients in weight loss at the 2-year mark |
Many obesity-related illnesses can be alleviated by losing weight after a mini gastric bypass including:
- Sleep Apnea.
- Heart Disease.
- Risk of Stroke.
- Type 2 Diabetes.
- High Cholesterol.
- Gallbladder Disease.
- High Blood Pressure.
- Several types of Cancer.
- Degenerative Joint Diseases.
- Osteoarthritis – cartilage breaks down in the joints.
How much Weight can I lose with a Mini Bypass?
Similar to other Bariatric Weight Loss Surgeries, the Mini Bypass offers patients a tool to effectively lose approximately 75% of their excess body weight over two years.
While initial weight loss comparisons between full RYGB surgery and mini gastric bypass are comparable after 12 months, most patients who had a mini bypass surpassed those of gastric bypass at the 2-year mark.
Besides a mini bypass, another option for surgery less invasive than RYGB is sleeve gastrectomy. When comparing the mini bypass vs gastric sleeve, the mini GB offers more weight loss potential because it restricts the amount of food a patient can eat and also the number of calories that can be absorbed.
You may have heard about mini sleeve surgery (another alternative less invasive technique) and have wondered exactly what is a mini gastric sleeve. This term is used by different bariatric practices to describe a few different techniques that are used to make a patient’s stomach smaller. One technique is to perform the gastric sleeve procedure as usual but to only remove about 40% of the patient’s stomach and the other technique eliminates the need for as many abdominal incisions as some of the procedure is done endoscopically.
Are there any Risks Associated with a Mini Bypass?
Any surgical procedure presents associated risks. Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery presents fewer risks than other forms of bariatric surgery but does have possible risks including:
- Ulcers.
- Acid Reflux.
- Gastritis.
- Leaks at the Staple Line.
- Vitamin or Nutrient Deficiencies.
- Risks associated with the use of general anesthesia.
How much does Mini RYGB Surgery cost?
IBI Healthcare Institute offers all-inclusive, self-pay pricing. In certain situations, the exact cost of your mini gastric bypass surgery could be offset based on health status, flexible spending accounts, or other resources.
The cost of mini bypass surgery is not typically covered by most insurance carriers; however, qualified patients can take advantage of IBI Healthcare Institute’s Financing Options.
The all-inclusive mini gastric bypass cost includes the price of the procedure and more importantly, the expertise, knowledge, and skill of the surgeon or specialist conducting it. You can learn more about the Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery cost by visiting our Pricing Page.
How do I know if Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery is right for me?
To best determine if a mini bypass will provide the results you desire would be to consult with an expert qualified bariatric surgeon. Researching the different weight loss options and surgical procedures available will help you understand the process and prepare you for a consultation.
If you are considering mini gastric bypass surgery to help you with weight loss, contact us today. The experts at IBI Healthcare Institute are here to help you navigate through your weight loss journey, from determining which procedure is best for you to ongoing support throughout the process.
To take that first important step in becoming healthier, contact us today and learn more about the benefits of assisted weight loss.
