Mini-gastric bypass is one of the latest surgical solutions for treating obesity and achieving effective and rapid weight loss. This procedure is less complicated than traditional gastric bypass, and the stomach is significantly reduced, which helps the person eat less food.
What sets the mini gastric bypass apart from other options is that it does not require complex surgical techniques or a long recovery time. Thanks to these advantages, this type of surgery has become the surgery of choice for many obese people who have not benefited from diet and exercise. The innovation of minimally invasive gastric bypass means getting visible results more quickly and minimally invasive.
What is a Mini Gastric Bypass?
The mini-gastric bypass is an improved version of the traditional gastric bypass. The main difference is that it is a less complex operation because it bypasses two meters of the small intestine. Theoretically, the likelihood of staples coming loose in this procedure is lower than in traditional gastric bypass because it requires only one anastomosis (surgical connection) compared to standard gastric bypass, which requires two anastomoses. Some studies show that mini-gastric bypass has similar or better long-term weight loss results than sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass.
The surgery is performed laparoscopically, and while mini gastric bypass is still more invasive than sleeve gastrectomy, it is less invasive than standard gastric bypass.
How does the mini gastric bypass surgery process work?
The medical team, which consists of the bariatric surgeon and the anesthesiologist, examines the patient before starting the operation, and blood samples are taken. Then, a nutritionist and a fitness trainer evaluate the patient. Two to three weeks before the operation, the patient follows a strict low-calorie diet to lose 1.5 kg to 2 kg weekly. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, which means the patient will be in a coma for the duration of the surgery.
The surgeon makes a small incision in the abdomen using laparoscopic or open surgery techniques as needed. Then, the stomach is divided into two parts: the upper part, which is small enough to hold a small amount of food and is called the gastric pouch, and the more significant lower part, which is permanently closed. The small pouch created by the surgeon receives the food, reducing the amount that can be eaten and leading to a quick feeling of satiety.
After the stomach is reduced, the surgeon reroutes food so it doesn’t pass through the first part of the small intestine. The upper part of the stomach (gastric pouch) is usually connected directly to the jejunum after bypassing the duodenum. This change in route limits the absorption of nutrients from the food, leading to more effective weight loss. After adjusting the stomach and intestines, the surgeon closes the incisions or wounds that have been opened, and the patient is taken to a recovery room, where they are monitored until they wake up from the effects of the anesthesia.
What is the recovery time after mini gastric bypass surgery?
The hospital stay is usually 3-4 days, during which the patient is monitored for complications. After awakening, the patient can walk for a few hours after surgery. The patient should start a diet that includes sugar-free, non-carbonated liquids for the first two weeks, pureed foods for a few weeks, and regular foods after a month.
Multivitamins and calcium are prescribed daily and for life, with regular check-ups after two weeks, six weeks, three months, and finally, twelve months. People with desk jobs can usually return to work within 1-4 weeks, while people with heavy-duty jobs may need up to six weeks. Most people can drive after 4 days, but all painkillers should be discontinued before driving. Patients can shower 48 hours after surgery but cannot swim for two weeks.
The cutting-edge technology of mini-gastric bypass offers you the opportunity to achieve your health goals in a more efficient and comfortable way.
Diet after mini gastric bypass surgery
Following the correct guidelines after the operation allows the stomach to heal properly and prevents it from stretching. This helps the patient get used to eating smaller portions and effectively lose weight. The diet also aims to minimize side effects and complications after surgery.
- In the first week, patients should follow a liquid diet. For the first 24 to 48 hours, they are allowed to drink only clear liquids. After that, other fluids, such as skim milk, decaffeinated coffee and tea, and broth, can be introduced.
- In the second to fourth week, you can eat pureed foods that have the consistency of a thick liquid or smooth past,e. The mixture should not contain solid parts, such as scrambled eggs, lean meats, cottage cheese, soft fruit,s, and cooked vegetables.
- Soft, chewy, bite-sized foods such as eggs, hot or cold cereals, rice, and sliced fish can be eaten in the fourth to eighth week.
- After two months, you can start incorporating solid foods into your diet. However, this stage should not be started without a doctor’s guidance, as certain foods can cause issues at this stage of recovery.
We recommend starting with three meals a day, with each meal consisting of one to one and a half cups of food. Be sure to stop eating before you feel completely full and introduce new foods one at a time to minimize the risk of complications.
Advantages of the micro-transfer processThe mini-gastric
The mini-gastric bypass has several benefits that make it an ideal option for people who are obese and want to achieve effective and long-lasting results. This procedure offers many health and aesthetic benefits that help patients reach a healthy weight safely and comfortably while being a minimally invasive procedure compared to other options. The following are the main advantages of this procedure:
- Short surgical procedure: Mini-gastric bypass surgery requires less time than traditional gastric bypass surgery, with the mini-gastric bypass taking only 30 minutes.
- Lower risk of complications: Mini gastric bypass usually means a lower risk of complications after surgery.
- The procedure can be reversed later. Reversing a mini-gastric bypass is simpler than reversing a traditional gastric bypass.
- Acceptable cost: This procedure is not expensive compared to other bariatric procedures.
- Excellent results: Thanks to the procedure, mini gastric bypass patients can lose a significant amount of excess weight, and with a healthy diet and regular exercise, they can maintain this weight for a long time.
The difference between mini gastric bypass and traditional gastric bypass
Mini gastric bypass is performed in the same way as traditional gastric bypass, where a pouch is created in the stomach to reduce the overall size of the stomach, preventing the patient from eating too much food at once. The main difference between mini and traditional gastric bypass is less rerouting of the intestines. Since traditional gastric bypass requires two anastomoses, the recovery time can be very long, while mini gastric bypass has a relatively shorter recovery time since it requires only one anastomosis.
There is also a lower risk of complications because the procedure has fewer steps. Traditional gastric bypass takes about two hours to perform. In contrast, a mini gastric bypass can take as little as 30 minutes, and the surgery is done through small incisions in the abdomen with small instruments to make the necessary adjustments. Reversing a traditional gastric bypass is very difficult, but reversing a mini gastric bypass is pretty simple.
The cost of traditional gastric bypass surgery is high due to the two surgical anastomoses that need to be performed and the longer surgery time. In contrast, the price of mini gastric bypass surgery is relatively lower, making Turkey an excellent tourist destination for this procedure.
Who are the ideal candidates for mini gastric bypass surgery?
There are several conditions for an obese patient to be eligible for mini gastric bypass surgery:
- People with a BMI > 40
- People who have a BMI > 35 plus at least one obesity-related comorbidity
- There is no upper age limit, but the procedure is riskier for those over the age of 65 (although a 70-year-old who is obese but otherwise healthy may be less risky than a 60-year-old with obesity-related comorbidities)
- Severely diabetic patients or obese people (more than 180 kg), as weight loss is slightly higher with mini gastric bypass
- Patients with severe GERD: A recent study showed that despite initial concerns that mini gastric bypass might increase reflux issues in the first year, this was not the case after a year, with doctors noting improved symptoms after the first year
Who is not suitable for mini gastric bypass surgery?
- Patients who are unwilling to make lifestyle changes, including healthy eating and exercise
- Smoking and alcoholic patients
- Patients who have undergone multiple abdominal surgeries
- Some psychiatric mental health conditions such as binge eating disorder, substance abuse, anxiety, major depression, schizophrenia, and severe bipolar disorder, people with these conditions may still be able to undergo surgery, but these conditions must be evaluated in detail by the surgical team
People taking medications for these conditions may also need to remember that this procedure is a “malabsorption-inducing” procedure and can reduce the absorption of these medications in the intestines.
Side effects and potential risks of the procedure
Although minimally invasive gastric bypass surgery is an effective and quick solution to losing weight and improving overall health, it may have some potential side effects and complications that patients should be aware of. In this article, we will review some possible side effects that may occur after the procedure and discuss the importance of regular medical follow-up to minimize risks and ensure sustainable health outcomes.
- nausea and vomiting
- Esophageal dilation and gastric obstruction
- Infection, but at a lower rate
This technique’s more serious side effects include blood clot formation and staple dislodgement, but these complications often occur while the patient is hospitalized, making them easy to manage. Most of these symptoms disappear within a few weeks or months. One positive side effect is that it treats type 2 diabetes in most cases.
Are there any long-term side effects of mini-bypass surgery?
Several studies have been conducted and published on the long-term effects (more than 5 years) of this procedure, and it has been proven that weight loss with this procedure is better than that achieved with traditional gastric bypass surgery in people with a very high BMI. Many obesity-related diseases, such as sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, joint disease, high blood pressure, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), improve or disappear as a result of the surgery.
The procedure has some long-term complications, but most are rare, and 90-95% of patients do not experience any issues. The following are some of the late complications:
- Internal hernia
- Intestinal adhesions
- Poor absorption of vitamins and minerals
- Dumping syndrome: A group of signs and symptoms that sugar-rich foods pass too quickly into the small intestine. The center’s dietitian provides nutritional counseling to avoid dumping.
Care after bypass surgery
Patients usually spend one to two days in the hospital after this surgery and may experience fatigue, nausea, vomiting, difficulty sleeping, postoperative pain, loss of appetite, and emotional fluctuations. These symptoms vary from patient to patient, so it is essential to discuss any concerns with the specialists at the center.
- Pain management: Don’t wait until the pain becomes severe; maintaining a consistent level of medication helps manage pain more effectively. A pain management plan includes using multiple methods to minimize the need for opioids, which are only prescribed for the first few days after surgery.
- Exercises to speed recovery: The most effective way to speed up recovery is to start being active immediately. Short walks or changing positions in bed boost circulation, and help reduce the risk of blood clots forming. On the first night, sit up, stretch your legs, and then stand at the side of the bed with the help of anattendantn. The next day, start walking out of bed at least three times day andnd doingo leg exercises and deep breathing every hour.
The period of care extends even after the patient returns home, as the patient must adhere to the advice and recovery plan developed by the doctors at the center:
- Leaving the hospital: Your surgeon decides when you are ready to go home based on your improvement.
- Commitment to follow-up appointments: Follow-up appointments begin two to three weeks after surgery. They are followed by regular visits three, six, nine, and twelve months after surgery and an annual appointment.
- Activities to avoid: Strenuous activities should be avoided for three to six weeks after surgery. You should also avoid lifting anything heavier than 15 to 20 kilograms for the first six weeks.
- Recommended activities: Frequent non-strenuous activities such as short walks are recommended. The distance can be gradually increased as the patient’s condition improves.
- Drink water: To prevent nausea or vomiting, the patient should maintain regular fluid intake by drinking water in small, frequent amounts. It is recommended that the patient drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water daily.
- Traveling: Short-distance travel can resume as soon as you feel stronger, but you should not avoid driving while taking painkillers. Long-distance travel can begin four weeks after the surgery.
In conclusion, mini-blowout surgery is an essential step towards improving quality of life and preventing obesity-related diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. However, to ensure success and maximize the surgery’s benefits, patients must be fully aware of the procedure’s risks and benefits and follow the guidelines of Bimarestan‘s doctors.
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