There is nothing “mini” about this gastric bypass. The stomach is first divided to create a small and long “sleeve” pouch to reduce stomach capacity to store food.
Then we bypass a significant length of the small bowel (150 to 200cm) and connect them back to the divided stomach to create malabsorption. The whole procedure is done through a laparoscopic (key-hole) technique.
Gastric bypass is proven a better long term solution for diabetes mellitus control compared to medical therapy. Patients who are obese and diabetic should at least discuss with their doctors about surgery for diabesity (diabetes + obesity).
If mini gastric bypass is proven to be simpler and safer, there is no good reason for patients to consider something more dangerous and riskier!
Long-term Risks Involved
- Patients may develop nutrients deficiency, such as protein, iron, and calcium deficiencies.
- It is paramount for the patients to be follow-up by their doctors to monitor progress. Daily vitamins and mineral, dietary supplements are important.
- Excessive weight loss or insufficient weight loss may occur.
- Ulcers can happen at the connection of the stomach to the small bowel. This happens mainly in smokers and those who regularly consume NSAIDs medication.
Dr Cha Kar Huei
MD (Canada) FACS (USA)
Consultant Bariatric and General Surgeon
Dr Cha is a surgeon at the Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC). He graduated from Dalhousie University, Canada in 1998. He entered surgical training at Massachusetts General Hospital and completed his training at the University of Wisconsin in 2004.
He trained at the New York University Medical Centre on minimally invasive bariatric surgery and attained a Fellow of the American College of Surgeon in 2009.
Dr Cha is experienced in minimally invasive surgery with an interest in bariatric surgery. He is also a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
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