What is a Mini Gastric Bypass?

This procedure is sometimes called a Mini Gastric Bypass, where we staple your stomach to create a smaller, long and narrow stomach pouch. Like the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the small stomach pouch makes you feel fuller quicker and the majority of food you eat bypasses the larger part of your stomach, which means you absorb less calories.

The single anastomosis gastric bypass works by several mechanisms. First, the newly created stomach pouch is considerably smaller and facilitates significantly smaller meals, which translates into less calories consumed. Most importantly, the rerouting of the food stream with the long biliopancreatic limb produces changes in gut hormones that promote satiety, suppress hunger, and reverse one of the primary mechanisms by which obesity induces type-2 diabetes.

What complications can happen?

— Can lead to long-term vitamin/mineral deficiencies particularly deficits in vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and folate.
— Risks of dumping and stomal ulcers.
— Requires adherence to dietary recommendation life-long vitamin/mineral supplementation, and follow-up compliance.
— Bile reflux is a major limitation of this operation. This may require conversion of the procedure into a Roux-En-Y bypass or reversal of the procedure.

What does the operation involve?

There are two components to the procedure. First, a long, narrow stomach pouch is created by dividing a portion of the stomach from the remainder of the stomach. Next, the small intestine (1.5 to 2metres from the beginning of the small bowel) is connected to the newly created long narrow stomach pouch. No intestine is removed.

Dr. Magdy can perform this procedure for you with robotic surgery technology.

Can a Mini Gastric Bypass be reversed?

Yes, it is possible (although rare) for a Mini Gastric Bypass procedure to be reversed.

The reversal procedure is typically more complex that the original surgery and it can be extremely challenging to restore the original anatomy of the stomach and intestines. For that reason, it is extremely important that patients understand the risks, benefits, and long-term effects of surgery before going ahead with the procedure.

For Mini Gastric Bypass procedures in Australia, Dr. Mark Magdy will carefully explain the procedure, the outcomes, and post-care & lifestyle changes that are recommended to ensure the best possibility of long-term success.

Is it possible to regain weight after surgery?

Yes, it is possible to regain weight after surgery. While the procedure is designed to be a long-term solution to weight loss, patients must also maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly in order to sustain weight loss.

Post-operative care and regular check-ins will help patients to monitor their weight, overall health, and have the best chance of long-term success.

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home in 2-3 days time. You will be able to take only liquids for a few weeks, progressing to soft food and then, after about four to six weeks, to solid food.

You should be able to return to work after two to four weeks, depending on how much surgery you need and your type of work.

Is a Mini Gastric Bypass suitable for me?

If your BMI score is over 40, surgery may help you to achieve long-term weight loss. Surgery may also help if you have a BMI over 35 and have other medical problems such as Type-2 diabetes or high blood pressure. A detailed assessment will be performed before deciding if this surgery is suitable for you. Any patient considering this operation should stop smoking and not take any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery Sydney benefits

— Produces significant long-term weight loss 50 to 70% excess weight loss.
— Restricts the amount of food that can be consumed.
— May lead to conditions that increase energy expenditure.
— Produces favourable changes in gut hormones that reduce appetite and enhance satiety.
— Typical maintenance of >50% excess weight loss.
— Reversible.

What is the difference between Mini Gastric Bypass and a regular one?

As the name suggests, the main difference between a regular and mini bypass is the size of the stomach pouch that is created during the surgery. In a mini bypass, a much smaller stomach pouch is created which (in most cases) results in more modest weight loss than a regular gastric bypass procedure.

Dr. Mark Magdy will carefully assess your situation and weight loss goals to determine the most suitable treatment.

How long does a Mini Gastric Bypass last?

Like most weight loss procedures, a mini bypass is intended to be a long-term, lifelong solution for obese patients.

The success of the procedure will ultimately come down to adherence to post-surgery care instructions and lifestyle changes that occur in the weeks, months, and years that follow. With Dr. Mark Magdy, the focus is on laying the foundations for long-term health by promoting lifestyle changes and dietary changes that promote long-term results.

Will I be “under” during the procedure?

Yes, Mini Gastric Bypass surgery is performed on patients that are under general anaesthesia.

General anaesthesia causes a loss of consciousness and physical sensations which means that you will not be aware of the procedure or experience any pain while it is performed.