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. Liza María Pompa González offers mini gastric bypass surgery at LIMARP® in Tijuana, Mexico. This simplified procedure is not only more affordable and less extensive, but also involves fewer risks. The procedure 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. Pompa will perform a thorough examination to help determine which weight loss procedure will help you accomplish your health goals.
Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery vs. Gastric Bypass Surgery
While traditional Roux-en-Y surgery takes about two hours to complete, a mini gastric bypass surgery can be completed in less than an hour. Although both procedures help patients lose weight by reducing the size of the stomach and bypassing the small intestines, the procedures differ in the unions of the bypass. During a mini gastric bypass surgery, Dr. Pompa will bypass up to six feet of intestines. Another key difference is that the bile digestive enzymes are not diverted from the stomach. The exact amount differs from patient to patient and will be based on a variety of factors, such as your height, weight, and weight loss goals.
The team at LIMARP International Center of Excellence for Obesity in Tijuana, Mexico, provides mini gastric bypass surgery as an alternative to the traditional procedure. While both procedures change the digestive system physically and chemically, the mini bypass is a less invasive option. Like the traditional bypass, the mini is often recommended for patients dealing with obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes.
The team at LIMARP International Center of Excellence for Obesity in Tijuana, MX, provides mini gastric bypass surgery as an alternative to the traditional procedure. While both procedures change the digestive system both physically and chemically, the mini bypass is a less invasive option. Like the traditional bypass, the mini is often recommended for patients dealing with obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes.Watch More Videos
What is a 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 surgery consists in two steps: first, 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. Second, 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 surgery. This is why, when researching information and data for this surgery, you might find it under different names, such as:
- 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.
A general standard is yet to be developed for this surgery, and currently its anastomotic techniques vary from practice to practice and surgeon to surgeon, as do the length of the jejunal bypass and the size given to the curvature of the stomach or gastric pouch. These factors are usually decided depending on the weight, age, and weight loss goals of the patient, and the technical experience of the surgeon.
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 [1]. Some studies even show that patients not only show great improvement on their illnesses but that they also lose significantly more weight with a OAGB than with other bariatric procedures as the gastric sleeve and the Roux-en-Y, both in the short and long term [2].
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. However, in due case that the patient’s bile reflux persists, the OAGB can either be reversed or revised to a Roux-en-Y. In this sense, a OAGB may be reversible or transformed if any pressing circumstances call for it.
Who is a candidate 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 characteristics of this surgery has made it a more accessible and viable choice in countries across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. According to the latest IFCO report, most of the OAGB interventions are done in those continents, and its practice in North America is almost non-existent. An important reason for this is the fact that no American insurance covers a OAGB. Patients visiting from United States should consider that coverage is limited to non-existent for this type or procedure. Acceptance for this procedure in the United States has been delayed, because there has been much controversy about the prevalence and effects of possible bile reflux as a long-term outcome of the surgery. However, surgeons have reported an incidence of symptomatic reflux following OAGB at less than 0.5% [3].
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.
Weight Loss Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico
If you’re interested in a weight loss surgery such as the mini gastric bypass, LIMARP International Center of Excellence for Obesity, in Tijuana, Mexico, is the right and the best place to go. Our clinic has been awarded the recognition of Center of Excellence for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation. Our center has also been certified as a COVID-19 safe space by national and international authorities. Our processes and quality systems also comply with the ISO 9001-2015 standard.
LIMARP has state-of-the-art facilities in Tijuana, Mexico, just minutes away from the International Border between Mexico and United States. LIMARP is located in the towers complex known as Las Torres in Tijuana, right in the city’s business district. Our private recovery rooms face right next to the Tijuana’s Country Club, from which patients can enjoy of panoramic views to the golf course.
At LIMARP we offer a variety of surgical and non-surgical treatments for obesity, one of which being the OAGB surgery. Our integrative program includes nutrition guidance, psychological counselling and personalized fitness routines, and our lifelong commitment to provide follow-up for our patients.
Director and leading surgeon at LIMARP, Dr. Liza Maria Pompa Gonzalez, has been recognized as Master Surgeon of Excellence by the Surgical Review Corporation and she has been certified by the Mexican Council of Surgery and by the American Heart Association in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS). She even has been recognized as one of the most influential surgeons of Tijuana by the city’s Hall of Fame. Rest assure that, at the hands of Dr. Pompa, you’ll be at the very best care.
Our treatment program adapts to every patient’s needs. If you are visiting from the United States, Canada or any other country outside Mexico, our all-inclusive package is the most convenient choice for you. It includes a 2-nights stay at the luxurious Grand Hotel of Tijuana in addition to the 2-nights hospital stay at LIMARP. It also includes transportation to and fro the airport and the hotel. Our clinic is next door to the hotel Tijuana is the go-to place in Mexico for medical tourism. Tijuana is a very dynamic international city that provides many care and wellness services that comply with international standards at an affordable price.
At least 2 million medical tourists visit Tijuana every year. Hospitals, clinics, wellness centers, restaurants, hotels and pharmacies in Tijuana offer their services in both English and in Spanish, since hundreds of thousands of tourists go in and out of Mexico every day through its 7 international gateways.
What Should I Expect to Happen During the Procedure?
Treatment begins with initial consultation and evaluation with Dr. Pompa. Through this first consultation, Dr. Pompa and our medical team will assess if a OAGB is the right choice for you. You will meet with our bariatric nutritionist who will prescribe a special pre-op diet that will allow your body to be ready for surgery. Our psychologist will provide consultation to make sure you are prepared and fully aware of the changes that will follow in your journey to a new healthier life. You will also be given very specific pre-surgical instructions that will help you prepare for the big day.
Our expert team will always be available to assist you with any questions and concerns during your process.
Mini gastric bypass surgery is performed through advanced laparoscopic techniques, using the latest technology to ensure a safe and effective treatment. During the procedure, Dr. Pompa will make four to five small incisions in your abdomen and insert a tiny camera to guide her in rerouting your digestive tract with laparoscopic tools.
The small size of the incisions facilitates a faster recovery. This procedure involves dividing your stomach into two sections: a small, narrow upper tube that is then connected to the lower part of the small intestine (jejunum), about six feet from the starting point. By reducing the size of the stomach and bypassing the upper portion of the small intestines (duodenum), you restrict the amount of food patients can eat and reduce the absorption of calories, sugar and fats; helping them feel fuller and lose weight faster.
While OAGB can help you achieve your weight loss goals quickly, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits through diet and routine exercise can help you experience long-term benefits.
While mini gastric bypass surgery can help you achieve your weight loss goals quickly, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits through diet and routine exercise can help you experience long-term benefits.
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. However, Dr. Pompa will recommend that you work with a LIMARP nutritionist to ensure that you are consuming a healthy balance of protein, fruits and vegetables. Your stomach and digestive tract will now be unable to handle unhealthy foods so you must concentrate on consuming nutritionally dense foods to achieve long lasting results.
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.
Are There Any Risks Involved?
Although there are fewer risks with mini gastric bypass surgery compared to traditional Roux-en-Y surgery, there is always a chance for complications when surgery and anesthesia are involved. These risks include:
- Infection and leakage where the stomach has been dissected and stapled
- “Dumping Syndrome” (when food high in sugar travels too quickly from the stomach to the intestines, causing excessive insulin
- Stomach ulcers
- Hernias at the incision sites
- Nutrient, vitamin, and mineral deficiencies if patient does not supplement correctly.
- Bile reflux gastritis due to not diverting the bile and digestive enzymes.
- Pulmonary embolisms
Having your procedure performed by Dr. Pompa and the skilled team at our state-of-the-art surgical facility can significantly reduce your risk of complications.
Benefits
Since opening our doors in 2002, we have performed thousands of weight loss procedures. During your surgery, Dr. Pompa will use advanced technology to ensure safety and success.
Choosing to undergo mini gastric bypass surgery to achieve your weight loss goals provides many benefits, including:
- A shorter surgical procedure and faster recovery
- Reduced risk of complications
- A cost-effective procedure
- Dramatic weight loss
- Improved overall health and better quality of life
- Reduced effects of severe health concerns associated with obesity, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, infertility, sleep apnea and joint pain
- Enhanced self-confidence
- The ability to engage in a greater variety of physical activities
While OAGB can help you achieve your weight loss goals quickly, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits through diet and routine exercise can help you experience long-term benefits.
Accomplish Your Weight Loss Goals with LIMARP
To schedule your consultation with Dr. Pompa at LIMARP in Tijuana, Mexico, contact our office online or call (619) 270-8823. We are focused on helping you achieve weight loss and maintaining a new chapter of confidence and improved health. During an in-depth consultation with Dr. Pompa, she will carefully assess your candidacy for bariatric surgery and determine if a OAGB or other bariatric procedure is the best way for you to achieve successful weight loss. Give us a call today, we will be very glad to help.
References
- [1] A. Hussain and S. El-Hasani, “Short- and Mid- term Outcomes of 527 One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass/Mini-Gastric Bypass (OAGB/MGB) Operations: Retrospective Study,” Obesity Surgery, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 262-267, 2019.
- [2] R.-T. Jaime, M. A. Carbajo, J. M. Jiménez, M. J. Castro, G. González, J. Ortiz-de-Solorzano and L. Zubiaga, “Long term follow-up after sleeve gastrectomy versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass versus one-anastomosis gastric bypass: a prospective randomized comparative study of weight loss and remission of comorbidities.,” Surgical Endoscopy, vol. 33, no. 2, pp. 401-410, 2019.
- [3] H. T. Billy, M. M. Bashah and R. Fairley, “Laparoscopic One Anatosmosis Gastric Bypass: History of the Procedure Surgical Technique and Outcomes.,” in The ASMBS Textbook of Bariatric Surgery, N. T. Nguyen, S. A. Brethauer, J. M. Morton, J. Ponce and R. J. Rosenthal, Eds., Springer, 2020, pp. 181-194.