According to World Health Organization estimates, nearly 18 million Americans suffer from morbid obesity. Health problems, low self-esteem and lower life expectancy are daily realities for morbidly obese people. This widespread epidemic has increased the demand for bariatric surgery. Gastric bypass and mini-gastric bypass are two of the most commonly performed bariatric surgeries that are used to help morbidly obese people lose weight in a safe and expedient manner.
Gastric-Bypass Surgery
Gastric-bypass surgery is an invasive surgical procedure that consists of cutting and separating the stomach to create a smaller pouch. The smaller stomach pouch bypasses the top of the small intestine and is connected to the lower end of the small intestine. The overall stomach is reduced by 90 percent and the remaining stomach is restricted. The smaller stomach's reduced storage capacity gives the patient a full sensation when smaller portions of food are consumed.
Gastric-bypass surgery can be done by large incision or through a laparoscopic procedure. The large-incision procedure is more involved, requiring multiple incisions to be made in the abdomen. The gastric-bypass laparoscopic procedure is less invasive, requiring only small incisions and the use of instruments and a camera to guide the surgery. Regardless of the procedure, gastric-bypass is a major surgery that requires an extended recovery time.
Mini-Gastric bypass
Mini-gastric-bypass surgery is the new name given to the original loop procedure that was used in the 1960s. Mini-gastric bypass is a less invasive laparoscopic surgery that can be done in approximately 45 minutes. During the procedure, surgeons do not create a pouch. Instead, they create a narrow tube that runs directly to the lower intestine. The tube is separated from the stomach by staples, and it bypasses the upper portion of the small intestine that absorbs the food's nutrients. Once food is eaten, it goes to the lower portion of the small intestine and the rest of the stomach is sealed off, so food cannot enter it.
Risks
Gastric bypass is a more extensive procedure; therefore, there are greater risks associated with it. Side effects include bowl obstruction; hemorrhaging caused by dividing the stomach; infection of the incisions or of the inside of the abdomen; pneumonia, bladder or kidney infections; and blood born infections. Gastric-bypass surgery also has a 0.8 percent mortality rate. However, mortality rates are typically influenced by the patient's pre-existing conditions and tend to be higher for open incisions than laparoscopic procedures.
Mini-gastric-bypass surgery has fewer side effects and reduced health risks. Complications include nausea, dizziness, diarrhea and dumping syndrome, a complication that arises from food passing too quickly through the digestive tract. There is also a minor risk of infection or leakage between the staples connecting the revised stomach to the intestines.
Benefits
When successfully completed, gastric-bypass and mini-gastric-bypass surgery markedly decrease type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea and hypertension. Gastric-bypass and mini-gastric-bypass surgery also help patients shed unhealthy pounds quickly, which greatly increases patients' physical and mental health.
Mini-gastric-bypass surgery tends to have a quicker recovery time since the procedure is not as extensive.
Best surgery
Both surgeries are effective in reducing weight loss. However, mini-gastric-bypass surgery is a simpler procedure with a quicker recovery time and a slightly lower risk of post-operation complications.
Warning
Before selecting the right surgery for you, be sure to discuss the procedures at length with a health-care professional.
Tags: mini, gastric, bypass, surgery, small intestine, Gastric-bypass surgery, recovery time, Bypass Surgery, Gastric Bypass Surgery, laparoscopic procedure, less invasive, mini-gastric-bypass surgery
