Mini Gastric Bypass

The mini-gastric bypass operation has proven its efficiency over the past years and its results are equivalent to the R-Y gastric bypass surgery with a significantly reduced incidence of complications. This operation is designed to avoid complications of the classic (R-Y) gastric bypass surgery.

What is The mini-gastric bypass?

The mini-gastric bypass operation has proven its efficacy over the past years and its results are equivalent to the classic gastric bypass surgery with a significant reduction in the incidence of complications, this operation is designed to avoid complications of the classic gastric bypass surgery.

What are the steps of mini laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery?

In this operation, a gastric pouch that is longer than the R-Y gastric bypass pouch is made in the upper part of the stomach and is separated from the rest of the stomach, with the small intestine connected to the stomach pouch using the latest staplers that are used in the United States and Europe.

After the operation, there is a feeling of fullness after just eating a small amount of food, thus limiting food intake. Therefore, the process reduces the amount of food consumed and leads to an overall feeling of fullness and satiety, which in turn reduces the number of calories that the patient consumes daily. In this operation, we bypass the first third of the small intestine which leads to malabsorption of nutrients. 

Food absorption is reduced by 30%, which helps the patient reach the ideal weight and maintain the ideal weight afterward.

The operation is performed laparoscopically (we use the most recent high-resolution laparoscopy in Egypt) through 4 or 5 small incisions (the size of the incision is from half to 1 cm) under General anesthesia. The operation takes from 45 to 60 minutes.

The hormone that stimulates feelings of hunger (Ghrelin) decreases after the operation, which gives a feeling of satiety despite the small amount of food.

How long is the patient’s stay in the hospital after the mini gastric bypass?

The patient stays in the hospital for only 24 hours.

Who is the ideal patient for the mini gastric bypass operation?

Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery is an appropriate procedure for obese patients with high weights (BMI over 50), for obese patients with diabetes and high blood pressure, and obese patients who like sweets.

What is the cure rate for diabetes and high cholesterol after gastric bypass surgery?

The rate of cure for type 2 diabetes after the mini-gastric bypass operation ranges from 83% to 100%. The cure rate for high cholesterol and blood lipids after the bypass operation is 100%.

How much weight can I expect to lose after the operation?

In the first month after the operation, you will lose 10 to 15 kg, then about 5 kg every month. Patients lose the bulk of excess weight during the first six months. Most patients lose approximately 70 to 80% of their excess body weight in the first year, but many patients have lost between 90 to 100% of the excess weight if the prescribed regimen is followed; regular exercise and regular follow-up.

What are the advantages of the mini gastric bypass?

• Rapid weight loss compared to traditional procedures.

• Recovery from diseases caused by obesity, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

What are the benefits of using laparoscopy in a mini gastric bypass operation?

1- Pain relief after the operation.

2 – Reduces the length of hospital stay.

3 – No visible wounds.

4 – Early recovery and return to normal life and work compared to traditional open surgery.

• We do not recommend performing any obesity surgery by traditional open surgery. We always recommend using a laparoscope in obesity operations.

Is it dangerous to get pregnant later after gastric bypass surgery?

We recommend that pregnancy should occur at least one year after the operation so that the body can adapt to the reduction in stomach size and the amount of food intake. Vitamins, iron, and calcium must be taken regularly after a gastric bypass operation, and pregnant women may need additional doses of iron and calcium in consultation with a nutritionist. If Pregnancy occurs under any circumstances during the first year after the operation, the pregnant woman must closely follow up with a nutritionist to make sure that she consumes types of foods that are rich and beneficial to the fetus. Any medications or vitamins taken during pregnancy should be under the direct medical supervision of the gynecologist.

How is the patient prepared for the operation?

1. Before surgery, you should provide your doctor with a list of all medications, vitamins, minerals, and herbal or nutritional supplements that you are taking. After surgery, you may have restrictions on eating, drinking, and the medications you can take. 
2. If you take blood thinners such as Aspirin or Marivan, talk to your doctor before surgery. Since these medicines affect clotting and cause bleeding, you may need to change the routine or the dose of this medicine before the operation.
3. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor for specific instructions on taking or adjusting your medication before and after surgery. 
4. Smoking of all kinds must be stopped at least two weeks before the operation.
5. If you have high blood pressure, your blood pressure must be completely controlled before the operation, by regularly taking your medications and measuring blood pressure daily, a week before the operation.

How long does the recovery take after a gastric bypass operation?

• The operation takes about 60 minutes.
• The patient is discharged from the hospital 24 hours after the operation.
• All patients are encouraged to walk as early as 3-4 hours after the operation.
• Most patients return to work and/or school one to four weeks after the operation.
• Fatigue is common in the first two weeks due to the decrease in calorie intake in the liquid diet phase. However, the majority of patients do not feel hungry during this phase of the diet. 
• The energy level improves rapidly after the introduction of the soft diet, which takes about two weeks after surgery. 
• We sometimes allow patients to work from home 2-3 days a week after surgery.
• You can start walking from 30 to 60 minutes a day after pain relief. Patients can exercise two months after the operation.