Mini GBS

Has anyone here had the Mini Gastric Bypass surgery? My husband was reading up on it today and seems to think it's safer and more effective than the GBS itself. I don't even think that TriCare would cover that surgery.

never heard of it, and how can it be "more effective"? That seems like an oxymoron?? Yeah, doubt Tricare will cover it. The gastric bypass was wonderful, especially MUSC, and Dr. Byrne. Go for it, you will love it!! Deb

Heres a link about it. Less complications, less hospital stay and it's reversal. If Tri Care doesn't cover it I'm still having the Laproscopic one. He's just worried about the surgery in general. http://clos.net/

Yep this is Dr. Rutledge's site (the one who operated on my friend.) He has plenty of experience doing this, but do you want to travel to Las Vegas? He is one of the only ones and my friend was having trouble getting follow up care. You'll need that. Plus what do they consider complications? There aren't enough details. Some people consider "dumping" a complication. Most of us consider it a part of the negative reinforcment of our tool. Kathy

my dr. told me the "mini gb" was a quack and dangerous and that he would never even consider doing them. soooo good luck with ur decision! id stick with gastric bypass.. jen

I read the web site about it but why go thru it & have it reversal. there is no way I would ever go back & would not understand why any one would after being healthy & able to move around like never before ,just make sure this is the right surgery for you or any surgery your mind has to be set so you will make the right food choices & choices I knew ppl that this surgery has not worked at all because of bad choices so good luck

Oh this surgery is definitely a GO for me as long as Tri Care approves me. I was just wanting to see if anyone has heard anything about the surgery good or bad. And I know theres bad with every surgery but my husband was just reading up on the other one (mini) and thought that one was better. In a way I think he's being stingy because he knows he has to be home with me for a while after I have it and that all the kids responsibilities are on him. He's a lazy a$$ so when it comes to work for him he looks for ways out.

I know one lady who has had the mini GB surgery. She actually tried to talk me into it before surgery. She has done really well with, however, she paid cash, she had to go to NC for her surgeon and shortly after, he moved to Las Vegas to make more money... Anyway, it is still surgery and still involves many of the same risks and recovery time as the regular Gastric Bypass. And many of your local surgeons will have way more experience with Gastric Bypass or lap band than the mini. That weighed heavily in my decision. I refuse to get into a "one surgery is better than another" debate becasue I think it depends on the individual. Do your research and decide with your family, but I think that your hubby's idea that it is a "safer" surgery is misguided. Kathy

This is the first I've heard of the surgery, but I did a quick search and here's a full-text article comparing it to RNY: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=15973097 It sounds like it's just as effective as RNY, but really does have fewer complications. HOWEVER, I'd say the biggest problem you'd have is finding someone to do it nearby; the physicians who wrote this article are in Taiwan. You want a doctor who's VERY experienced in the procedure. My biggest fear would be the lack of long-term studies on it. It's the same problem I have with lap band. Good luck! Lisa

Hi Tanya I would post this question on the main forum. I know there are several members who have had bad experiences, and do not recommend the surgery. The mini gb website is by the dr's and of course has nothing but positives, but I have heard plenty of negatives on the main forum of OH regarding the surgery. Best of luck to you! Elizabeth