The Mini-Gastric Bypass (MGB) is a relatively recent development and was first performed by Dr Robert Rutledge in 1997. Now, more than 20-years and 30,000 procedures later, MGB is rapidly becoming the procedure of choice for many surgeons throughout the world. Patients undergoing MGB lose around ¾ of their excess weight within 2-years and gain substantial health benefits.
Firstly, the stomach is divided in such a way that a small tube is created (rather like a gastric sleeve). Food continues to pass into this small stomach, but the amount that can be eaten is obviously much reduced. This is what we call the ‘restrictive’ component of the procedure.
Next, a loop of bowel about 150cm in length is brought up and joined to the lower border of the new, smaller tube of stomach. The “join” is referred to as an anastamosis.
Food now passes from the small stomach into the small bowel and here it meets the digestive juices which have been produced in the bigger stomach. In effect, therefore, about 150cms of bowel have been bypassed, which means that calories normally absorbed in this segment of intestine, are no longer absorbed. As with traditional bypass, there are also changes various gut hormones which also promote weight loss.
So, weight loss in MGB is produced by (1) a smaller stomach and (2) malabsorption of calories across a bypassed segment of small bowel.
The main advantages can be seen by comparing the two diagrams:
I’m so glad that I finally put myself first and got my weight undercontrol. With the amazing support and knowledge of the weight loss team and with the aid of the lap band, I was able to finally get down to a normal weight the healthy way, and keep it off. (Results may differ from person to person) Read More
Going for a Gastric Band in Auralia clinic has been the best decision I’ve ever made. They have been looking after me since day one and aftercare is brilliant. Thanks to Auralia I’ve lost over 4.5 stone. (Results may differ from person to person) Read More
Hi, my name is Jennifer and I’m a 29 year old nurse. For people my age, I think a gastric band is a big step to take, but since having my surgery my life has changed so much. (Results may differ from person to person) Read More
My name is Martin. I’m 38 and from Dublin. 18 months ago I managed to tip the scales at an “impressive” 24 stone. My life basically consisted of early mornings, late nights, lots of driving and lots of junk food. I wasn’t really a sweet eater, but takeaways were my big downfall. (Results may differ from person to person) Read More
The Lap-Band has given me my life back. All the activities I had missed out on for more than 20 years are once again within my Reach! (Results may differ from person to person) Read More
I chose the Lap-Band System because I felt it could be an effective tool to help me lose weight. I’ve found that it’s a lifestyle that anyone can live with. I’m now healthier and more active and I have so much more self confidence! (Results may differ from person to person) Read More
The two main potential problems with MGB are:
Bile Acid reflux: – because the main body of the stomach is still connected to the intestines, there is a theoretical risk that digestive juices can reflux up into the small stomach remnant, causing ulceration, inflammation and heartburn. However, recent studies suggest that this is not a major problem in practice and there are technical approaches to the surgery that can reduce the risk of this complication to a minimum.
Iron deficiency: – MGB is a true malabsorptive procedure so lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation is essential – especially iron.
Studies suggest that weight loss (around 75% of excess weight) achieved with MGB is similar to traditional bypass and sometimes greater.
In addition, the health benefits achieved by the MGB are similar to those observed after Roux-en-Y bypass. This is especially true of Type 2 diabetes, where some studies show complete resolution of diabetes in >90% or patients undergoing MGB.
For all these reasons, MGB is likely to become even more popular.
For some patients it may well be. MGB is certainly quicker, the operative risks appear to be the same and it is a reversible procedure. Moreover, the weight-loss outcomes and health benefits are similar when compared with traditional Roux-en-Y bypass. The question as to whether long-term outcomes are better than standard gastric bypass remains to be seen. Whether long-term results will show a sustained advantage remains to be seen.
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