If you are interested in undergoing bariatric surgery but are looking for a less invasive approach to traditional gastric bypass surgery (also known as Roux-en-Y), Dr. Jesus Abraham Vega offers mini gastric bypass surgery at Monterrey Bariatric Center in Monterrey, Mexico.
The mini gastric bypass surgery has helped many people achieve weight loss similar, or even greater, to what traditional Roux-en-Y surgery can provide, with increased metabolic benefits as well. During your initial consultation, Dr. Jesus Vega will perform a thorough examination to help determine which weight loss surgery will help you accomplish your health goals.
Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery
A mini bypass surgery, also known as a one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), is a smaller and simplified version of the Roux-en-Y surgery. In this surgery, there is no need for the creation of a Roux Limb. The mini gastric bypass surgery consists in two steps.
The first step consists in the creation of a gastric pouch with a lesser curvature dissection in the stomach, which is usually done with a long, lean surgical stapler. This first step restricts the size of the stomachs, which will allow the patient to feel satisfied eating smaller portions of food.
The second step consists in the creation of a loop for the small intestine, with a duodenum-jejunum junction. This second step accomplishes significant malabsorption in the intestines, as they become capable of absorbing less calories during each meal.
The mini bypass surgery was proposed for the first time in 1997 by Dr. R. Rutledge, but since 2001, different surgeons have proposed subtle variations in its technique, which has resulted in multiple different versions of the same bariatric surgery:
- Mini gastric bypass (MBG)
- One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB)
- Omega loop gastric bypass (OLGB)
- Single anastomosis gastric bypass (SAGB)
The most popular name for this surgery though, is OAGB.
The OAGB has demonstrated to produce great effects on obesity-associated comorbidities. Research shows that patients that receive a OAGB show significant improvement on diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, hyperlipidemia, and joint pain up to 5 years after surgery.
A large UK study published in 2019 reported on outcomes of 527 OAGB patients showed a type 2 diabetes remission rate of 83% and 70% at 1 and 3 years, respectively; a hypertension resolution rate of 61%, 58%, and 58% at 1, 2, and 3 years post-op, and 99% of sleep apnea patients improving symptomatically to the point of not needing their CPAP machine anymore.
Complications from a mini bypass gastric surgery are very rare. At a very low rate, lesser than 1% of patients could develop bile reflux. This can be easily treated and patients can overcome their symptoms over time.
Candidates for Mini Gastric Bypass
Patients with a body mass index (BMI) over 40 can be eligible for a OAGB if they are interested in receiving a less invasive and affordable intervention in comparison with the Roux-en-Y. Patients with a BMI over 35 with multiple obesity-associated comorbidities or life threatening illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol or sleep apnea may also be eligible for this procedure.
This procedure is a great alternative for patients who do not have insurance coverage or the economic means to afford more expensive procedures. The low cost of this type of surgery makes it more accessible for patients that might have a harder time deciding if they can make an investment on their health.
The low price of this intervention by no means translates to lesser quality nor lower benefits. It has been proven that the OAGB accomplishes the same, if not more outstanding results than the Roux-en-Y. It also leads to less recovery time and less complications.
Recovering from Surgery
Once the procedure is completed, you will be taken to a comfortable recovery room where our team will carefully monitor you to ensure you are responding well to surgery. To help prevent blood clots and other complications, your doctor will ask you to stand and walk within a few hours after your procedure and you will be wearing compression socks.
Most patients are cleared to go home after two days. It is common to experience some soreness, swelling, and fatigue after the procedure, but following your post-op instructions and taking prescribed pain medications can help manage any discomfort.
For the first two weeks after surgery, you will be required to follow a strict liquid-only diet that will evolve in phases: from clear liquids to complete liquids, protein shakes, water, soup, and pureed foods. Depending on your ability to heal, you can typically return to solid foods six weeks after surgery.
You can expect to return to work and normal activities two weeks after surgery, being careful not to lift anything over 10 pounds until cleared by the doctor. As your body adjusts, you may experience fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea. Over time, these side effects will subside and you will notice increased energy as you lose weight.
Why Choose Monterrey Bariatric Center?
At Monterrey Bariatric Center we provide concierge, individualized and tailored care to our patients, and one patient at a time. More importantly your surgery will be performed at an accredited facility, where the highest quality of care according to industry standards is guaranteed.
Dr. Jesus Abraham Vega has performed thousands of successful surgeries. Patients travel from across the USA and Canada to have their surgeries (whether initial or revision) at Monterrey Bariatric Center. Our satisfied patients and their success stories are testament to our difference.