Bariatric surgery has become a sought-after treatment option for people with severe obesity and weight-related health concerns. This surgery works when all the weight loss methods don’t provide the best results. It has two prominent categories, namely gastric bypass and mini gastric bypass.
Both these procedures work with a common objective—to help patients lose weight and improve their overall health, including hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, and more. While these procedures are very similar to each other, there are a few differences that set them apart.
Here are all the details about a traditional gastric bypass and a mini gastric bypass.
What is a Gastric Bypass?
Gastric Bypass or GB is surgery performed on obese patients to shed off extra kilos. The bariatric surgeon reduces the size of the functional part of the stomach. When the stomach is small, the food intake becomes limited, helping the patient in the weight loss journey.
During the procedure, the surgeon connects the smaller stomach to a section of the small intestine. The route so created bypasses other areas of the digestive system. After the surgery, the patient starts losing weight in the following ways.
- The change in the size of the stomach restricts food. When the stomach is small, it holds a lesser amount of food and the patient consuming the food starts to feel full quickly.
- Gastric bypass is also a malabsorptive weight loss process. The human body takes energy from the food it eats. The stomach and intestines perform complex operations, ensuring energy is transferred throughout the body. Gastric bypass reduces the amount of time food spends in the stomach and intestine. As a result, the body extracts fewer calories, leading to weight loss.
What is a Mini Gastric Bypass?
While gastric bypass is a sought-after procedure to lose weight and it works efficiently, the procedure may be too complex. Owing to its complexity, many people refuse to opt for it and choose other methods to lose weight. It is when a mini gastric bypass comes to the rescue.
Also known as one-anastomosis bypass, a mini gastric bypass is a less complicated version of gastric bypass. It delivers the same results as traditional bypass. It allows restrictive and malabsorptive weight loss. However, the recovery period after this surgery is shorter. The complications resulting from this surgery are lower than gastric bypass.
The procedure involves creating a small stomach pouch and connecting it with the small intestine with a single anastomosis. Depending on the patient’s overall health and other considerations, the surgeon may either choose a traditional or laparoscopic approach to perform the surgery. A laparoscopic surgery ensures the patient recovers quickly.
The success rate of mini gastric bypass is similar to traditional gastric bypass. Compared to its counterpart, the complications involving this surgery are much lesser.
Difference Between Gastric Bypass and Mini Gastric Bypass
| Point of Difference | Gastric Bypass | Mini Gastric Bypass |
| Surgical Complexity | Gastric bypass is a more complex surgery as it involves two connections—anastomoses and rerouting the digestive system. | Mini gastric bypass is a less complex procedure as it involves a single anastomosis and a simple rerouting process of the digestive system. |
| Operating Time | The operating time of traditional gastric bypass surgery is long. | The operating time for mini gastric bypass surgery is short. |
| Weight Loss Results | Gastric bypass surgery is renowned for its effectiveness. The patients may expect to lose 60-80% of weight within the first two years of the procedure. | The success rate and weight loss result of mini gastric bypass are very similar to traditional gastric bypass. Patients can expect a remarkable reduction of 50-70% within the first two years of the procedure. |
| Reversibility | As gastric bypass is a complex procedure, the reversibility of this procedure becomes challenging, and surgeons advise against it for their patients. | Mini-bypass surgery is a less complex procedure than the traditional surgery. It gives surgeons potentially flexible options to reverse the effects. |
| Availability | As this surgery is a traditional approach, it is available at many hospitals. | Mini gastric bypass surgery is a lesser traditional approach compared to the former. Thus, its availability is rare. |
Which Procedure is Better—Gastric Bypass or Mini Bypass?
Whether to choose gastric bypass or mini bypass for weight loss depends on various factors, including the unique needs of the patient. The considerations such as overall health condition, body mass index, previous medical history as well as personal preferences are carefully evaluated by the surgeon to decide the suitable procedure for their patients.
Takeaway
If you are tired of alternative weight loss methods, bariatric surgery is a suitable option. Gastric bypass is a more complex procedure than a mini gastric bypass but has a high success rate. On the other hand, mini gastric bypass results in fewer complications and quicker recovery. Measure the pros and cons of each surgery and choose the one that fits your preferences.
