Mini gastric bypass: what is it and how does it differ from conventional bypass?

If you have considered the possibility of undergoing an gastric bypassbut you are concerned about having a bariatric surgery of this type, mini gastric bypass could be just what you are looking for to regain your ideal weight.It is a much less invasive and much safer procedure.

So, to familiarize yourself with the procedure and find out if it is an option that would interest you, in this post we explain what the mini gastric bypass is, what it consists of and what are its main differences with the conventional gastric bypass.

What is the mini gastric bypass?

The mini gastric bypass, or single anastomosis gastric bypass (BAGUA), is a weight reduction operation that is done with laparoscopic surgery, which means that no large cuts are required in the abdomen.

In this regard, compared to the risks of gastric bypass conventional, the mini bypass is a much safer and less invasive procedure. The fact that no large cuts are made, neither in the stomach nor in the abdomen, greatly facilitates the healing process and decreases the possibility of side effects.

What does the mini gastric bypass consist of?

The mini gastric bypass surgical procedure is simple, fast and minimally invasive. First of all, the bariatric surgeon Separate a section of your stomach with an endoscopic stapler, this small stomach will be the one that will receive the food, it will have a reduced capacity, so you will fill up easier and you will feel less appetite, something that will help you lose weight.

The rest of the stomach is not removed, although it is separated and will not receive food, but it will continue to function and provide essential elements for digestion, something that differentiates the mini bypass from the conventional bypass.

After this, the stomach is connected directly to the small intestine, without cutting it or reducing its size. This allows gastric, pancreatic, biliary and other metabolic benefits to continue to be produced without problems, since neither part of the stomach nor part of the small intestine is being removed.

At the end of the operation, you would spend 1 to 2 days at the clinic where the procedure was performed to ensure that everything is in order.

The recovery process is quite fast, in fact, within a week you can be well recovered and back to your normal activities, avoiding, of course, significant physical exertion after - at least - 30 days have passed.

How much weight can you lose with the mini gastric bypass?

With the mini gastric bypass you can lose between 75% and 85% of excess weight over a 2-year interval.as reported by the specialized portal Healthier Weight. This percentage of weight loss makes it one of the most effective bariatric operations available.

Who is it recommended for?

The mini gastric bypass is indicated for patients who meet the following conditions: 

• Patients between 18 and 65 years of age.
• People with a BMI equal to or higher than 35.
• People with obesity-related problems such as hypertension or diabetes.
• Patients who have already tried to lose weight with other options (including bariatric operations such as gastric sleeve or gastric banding) without success. 

What are the advantages of the mini gastric bypass?

The mini gastric bypass offers many advantages, the most outstanding of which are these:

• It is a very effective weight reduction operation, helping to lose between 75 and 85% of excess weight in 2 years.
• It is minimally invasive, which means you won't have to worry about scars or complex and risky surgical procedures.
• Unlike the conventional gastric bypass, the mini bypass is a reversible procedure, so you can reverse it at any time to bring your digestive system back to normal.
• It is less likely to produce adverse effects than conventional gastric bypass.
• Effectively reduces your appetite and makes you full with less food.

What is the difference between mini gastric bypass and conventional gastric bypass?

The main difference between the mini gastric bypass and the conventional bypass is that the mini bypass is a reversible operation, which means that it does not permanently change your stomach or digestive system, as it does with the standard gastric bypass. 

In addition, it is done by laparoscopic surgery, without opening the abdomen or needing large incisions, making it minimally invasive.

Finally, in the mini bypass, neither part of the stomach nor the small intestine is cut or removed, unlike the gastric bypass. Thus, they continue to produce the metabolic benefits your body needs, which reduces the chances of generating some of the most common side effects of gastric bypass and makes it possible for the operation to be reversible.