The Pros and Cons of Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery

The mini gastric bypass is a simple, brief and inexpensive technique in weight loss surgery. It is basically a simplified form of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. In the mini procedure, more of the intestine is avoided compared to the standard gastric procedure. Your pre-operative weight, height, and weight loss expectations will help your surgeon decide the actual length of the shunt, but these are usually between three and about seven feet. In the mini gastric bypass, the bile and digestive enzymes are not bypassed from the stomach.

While mini gastric bypass surgery is less expensive and shorter, not many people choose to undergo it. This is probably because most insurance companies do not cover it, as it is considered experimental in some medical circles. However, a good number of people continue to go for surgery thanks to the many benefits it has. It is good to know the pros and cons of surgery before opting for it.

The professionals

The mini bypass reduces the risk of comorbidities. These are conditions resulting from morbid obesity. Relieves obesity symptoms such as sleep apnea, diabetes, edema, and arthritis.

· It is less invasive and therefore safer. The surgery involves fewer incisions compared to standard gastric bypass surgery and this not only makes it safer but also reduces complications.

It is much shorter in terms of operation and recovery. The mini surgery lasts no more than an hour and patients can leave the hospital only in 24 hours.

· It implies a less diversion of the intestines. This means that it is technically easier, even for surgeons, to perform the surgery with higher success rates.

· It has less chance of complications because it has a smaller intestinal connection or anastomosis.

It is less expensive compared to the standard gastric bypass.

· Patients can return to normal activities in a week; the healing process is relatively quick because the procedure is less invasive.

The cons

High risk of malabsorption and complications from vitamin and mineral deficiency. This is because a large part of the small intestine is overlooked during the procedure.

· Possibilities of gastritis due to bile reflux. This is considering that mini gastric bypass surgery does not divert bile and digestive enzymes from the stomach, therefore the condition is likely to be difficult to treat.

· Although mini surgery is less invasive, it still carries potential risks of infection. A leak or infection between the staples connecting the revised pouch of the stomach and intestines cannot be ruled out.

· Dumping syndrome may occur. This happens when food tends to pass through the digestive tract too quickly, causing dizziness, diarrhea, and nausea.

Possibility of complications similar to gastric Roux-en-Y surgery, the most common being hernias at the surgical site, ulcers, and other minor infections.

When considering the weight loss procedure, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of mini gastric bypass surgery so that you know exactly what to expect. Your surgeon should be in a position to make you feel as comfortable as possible without hiding all the important details.