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The Difference between a Gastric Bypass and a Mini Gastric Bypass

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Recently, mini gastric bypass surgery has started to gain some popularity.

It’s a slightly different procedure that claims to reduce recovery time while still providing good results. But is it true, and what really makes it different from a regular gastric bypass?

What Is Mini Gastric Bypass?

A mini gastric bypass is done much the same as a traditional gastric bypass. A pouch is created in the stomach to decrease the overall accessible stomach volume, preventing the patient from eating as much food at one time.

The main difference between a mini gastric bypass and a traditional one is that the rerouting is done slightly differently. The pouch created is in the shape of a tube, similar to the gastric sleeve. This tube-shaped pouch is connected to a loop of the small intestine.

Ultimately, this makes the rerouting process a shorter one.

Why Choose a Mini Gastric Bypass Over Traditional?

The recovery time is shorter. Because gastric bypass requires a more complex form of intestinal rerouting, mini gastric bypass was developed for patients who can’t afford the nearly 1 month recovery time.

Reduced risk of complications due to a shorter surgery time. Since the surgery is slightly simpler to perform, surgeons don’t have to worry about as many complications affecting the patient.

Why Wouldn’t I Get A Mini Gastric Bypass?

If you have GERD (or acid reflux disease), your risk of complications due to it are increased due to the way the rerouting is done. A better option for GERD patients is to do a traditional gastric bypass.

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