Mini Gastric Bypass

There are many factors to consider for eligibility but we generally offer the sleeve gastrectomy procedure to those with a minimum body mass index (BMI) of 40. If you are of Asian ethnicity and/or you are a Type 2 diabetic we would consider surgery at a lower BMI. We will explain the eligibility criteria in more detail at your face-to-face consultation.

At Healthier Weight, we specialise in bariatrics. We offer gastric sleeve surgery for individuals seeking a dedicated and personalised approach to their weight loss journey. Our criteria for eligibility focus primarily on a BMI of 40 or higher, with no upper BMI limit, as we specialise exclusively in weight loss procedures. We understand that obesity affects individuals differently, and our team of experienced surgeons, dieticians, and support staff are dedicated to evaluating your unique circumstances. We prioritise your individual goals, health conditions, readiness for the procedure, and long-term commitment to ensure the best outcomes.

As with the standard Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the mini gastric bypass works both by restricting the amount of food that can be eaten at any one time, and by altering gut hormones involved in appetite control. Mini gastric bypass as we know it today was developed by Dr Robert Rutledge in 1997. Since then tens of thousands of procedures have been performed and mini gastric bypass is growing in popularity in many countries around the world. For many patients it provides a quicker and more effective alternative to the traditional bypass. Most patients considering gastric sleeve should also consider mini gastric bypass too.

Mini gastric bypass surgery, like any bariatric procedure, carries operative and long-term risks.

Patients appear to experience a little more nutritional deficiency with mini gastric bypass in the very long term, although new surgical techniques, with a shorter limb of 150cm, largely overcome this. Early studies also showed an increase in acid reflux although later publications don’t show this.

The biggest downside is that there is relatively little data when compared to the RYGB but set against the benefits, these disadvantages seem very modest. 

Weight loss is marginally better with a mini gastric bypass than a RYGB. Studies indicate an average excess weight loss of 60-70%* over 2 years, and most of this weight is lost in the first year after surgery*. Additional benefits include a reduced risk of weight-related medical conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Weight loss results will differ from person to person and your results, especially in the long term, will depend on how well you are able to adapt your lifestyle and eating habits. To sustain long-term benefits, adopting a healthy diet and regular exercise is crucial but our bariatric aftercare team will help you learn and embed the skills needed to maximise and maintain your weight loss.

Weight loss example

• A 5ft 6in person weighing 17st (240lbs / 109kgs) has an ideal weight of about 11st (154lbs / 70kgs)
• They are carrying excess weight therefore of 86lbs (240lbs actual weight minus 154lbs ideal weight)
• 70% of 86lbs is around 60lbs
• So, this person could expect to lose (on average) about 60lbs (27kgs).

Scientific evidence suggests that most mini gastric bypass patients who comply with the follow-up requirements, including nutritional recommendations, do very well, and see great long-term results*. Moreover, compared with obese individuals who have not had surgery, mini gastric bypass patients have a much lower risk of premature death and disability.

*JAMA. 2012 Jan 4;307(1):56-65. doi: 10.1001/jama.2011.1914. Bariatric surgery and long-term cardiovascular events

Due to the considerable amount of weight that mini gastric bypass patients typically lose, it’s possible that you will experience some excess, loose or saggy skin. This most commonly occurs in the abdominal apron, or trunk area. The amount of excess skin you’ll be left with following a mini gastric bypass operation varies and will depend upon your age and weight before the procedure. Generally, the heavier and older you are, the more likely you are to have excess skin. Younger patients tend not to have as much lax skin due to greater natural skin elasticity. 

Typically lasting 45 to 60 minutes, mini gastric bypass surgery involves making 4 to 5 small horizontal incisions (about 5mm long) in the stomach for instrument passage. After a brief hospital stay of 1-2 nights, you’ll be discharged and advised to rest for at least 7 days to aid recovery. Improved comfort is expected around 2 weeks post-surgery.