A shortened operative time, a higher level of safety, and a more feasible & flexible technique for the surgeon… With the same superb weight loss results, and perhaps even better! These are simply the most important reasons why doctors have always sought improving the classic gastric bypass surgery.
In 1997, the Mini-Gastric Bypass surgery was carried out for the first time by Dr. Robert Routledge, achieving outstanding success in maintaining the previous benefits. Since then the Mini-Gastric Bypass has begun spreading around the world; And until now, research and studies continue to emphasize the efficacy and safety of the Mini-Gastric Bypass procedure. So, let’s get to know it closely.
What is the Mini-Gastric Bypass? And how does it differ from the classic Gastric Bypass?
Certainly, classic gastric bypass affords excellent weight loss results, but it requires more complicated and more detailed techniques. Here comes the mini-gastric bypass to achieve the same results – and perhaps better – using a simpler technique; Thus, the surgery becomes safer and easier. The procedure involves two steps:
- Dividing the stomach into a large part and a smaller one; The smaller part has the shape of a small tube (instead of the ‘pouch’ resulting from the classic gastric bypass).
“After stapling the smaller part of the stomach, this small tube becomes ready to receive much less food than what was usual before the surgery”. - The surgeon then connects that small stomach tube directly to the middle part of the small intestine (Jejunum), bypassing approximately 200 cm from the top of the small intestine; This considerably reduces the absorption of food.
≪The Mini-Gastric Bypass is also called ‘Omega Loop‘ or ‘Single Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (SAGB)‘ as there is a single connection (anastomosis) made between the stomach and small intestine. While in the classic Gastric Bypass an additional connection is made to reconnect a portion of the jejunum to another portion after being cut at the beginning of the procedure≫.
Benefits of the Mini-Gastric Bypass
While mini-gastric bypass has the advantages of the classic gastric bypass, as:
- Up to 80% excess weight loss in less than two years, besides maintaining a durable weight loss for up to 20 years after the surgery, based on the latest scientific studies.
- Decreased feeling of hunger, and a quick satiety feeling.
- Enhanced prevention and treatment of obesity-related health problems, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia…etc.
- Significant improvement in psychological & mental state and increased self-esteem.
- Mini-gastric bypass surgery can be done for people with sugar addiction.
The extra benefits of Mini-Gastric Bypass include:
- Less time for the surgery ranges from 45 to 50 minutes.
- Only a single anastomosis (connection) is made between the stomach and small intestine, with less alteration to the normal bowel pathway; This means fewer complications and more safety to the surgery.
- An easier technique, which is less challenging to master ideally.
- It can be easily reversed when needed for any cause later on.
Ü We assure you that performing mini-gastric bypass laparoscopically at Dr. Tarek Abouzeid center means less pain and better aesthetic appearance. In addition to returning home within a day of the procedure, and getting back to usual activity around a week after the surgery.
Ü We also use the latest pain relief device or Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) pump; Which is installed and programmed by Dr. Tarek to his patients after the mini-gastric bypass surgery, to pump precisely calculated doses of the analgesic regularly into the body, to avoid post-operative pain.
Is the Mini-Gastric Bypass a safe procedure?
The mini-gastric bypass is considered a safe procedure, especially as we follow advanced surgical, preventive, and anesthetic techniques, but there is a slight possibility of some complications such as intestinal obstruction, leakage from the stomach wall, or the possibility of bleeding or infection.
We follow the latest methods and techniques of surgery and sterilization to avoid that entirely.
The mini-gastric bypass may be accompanied by some other complications, such as:
– Rapid emptying of food from the stomach into the small intestine without digesting it adequately, which may cause dizziness, vomiting, or diarrhea. Your doctor will then guide you to follow important tips so that you can effectively improve and return to the normal state.
– Esophageal reflux or gallstones are slightly possible in a minute percentage of patients. That can be treated through follow-up with the doctor.
– In rare cases, the surgeon may see the need to revise the mini-gastric bypass into the classic procedure.
Following the surgery, make sure to stick to the diet prescribed by your doctor, as well as taking the vitamins and supplements prescribed for you. Moreover, listen carefully to your doctor’s advice to know what you can take or eat & what should be avoided (such as aspirin, some types of analgesics, or some foods). This plays a crucial role in protection against any possible post-operational complications, such as ulcers, malnutrition, or stomach dilation.
When you discuss the available weight loss options with your doctor, and he advises you that you are a good candidate to benefit from a mini-gastric bypass. At this moment, a new stage in your life begins… Through which, reminding yourself of the goal you are seeking and imagining yourself in the image you have always dreamed, will help you make the right choice, such as: adhering to a healthy diet, taking certain nutritional supplements & vitamins, or carrying out certain activities.
Your stomach is much smaller now, and you quickly feel full, so make sure your food has a high nutritional value so that you can enjoy your life while enjoying food.