This message is so misinfomed I felt obliged to register and set the issue straight. How do you measure effectiveness, if it by weight loss then the MGB is VERY effective,  One of the things I liked about CLOS is that they make you become informed about different types of WL surgery so you go in with your eyes open. It seems to me from the CLOS Yahoo groups that there are a huge number of patients from Canada (there was one in my litter) AND they get the op under insurance unlike US citizens.  At 5.1 you will not have to put much weight on to qualify, CLOS want a BMI of at least 40 or 35 with Co-morbs, I am not sure about the insurance companies.  To say that the MGB is dangerous is nonsense, I had the surgery because it is one of the safest around, results on 4000+ patients showed the risks to be about half that of RnY,  For me what impressed was the reversal, it takes 3 hours to reverse a RnY and it is a complex procedure with a lot of risk.  With the MGB they disconnect the new stomach from the lower bowel and attach it to the original stomach which was left in place when the new stomach was formed by stapling.  The procedure takes about 35 minutes and has the same low risk as the original op, in fact probably less. There is no removal of the intestine, the surgical procedure is covered step by step in the paitent manual.  In fact one of the reasons the MGB is a safer operation is that there are less cuts which is why there is virtually no bleeding.  When you see the RnY on YouTube they always take the camera away while they do all the cutting.  The MGB simply connects the new stomach to the side of the bowel, the connection method has been used since the 1800's and is routinely performed in Cancer and Trauma operations.  Some people make the mistake of thinking the MGB is the old LOOP system it similar but it has important differences, most importantly is does not stretch or stress the connection.  The connection is also double connected first they staple it then they reinforce with stitches. Another key difference is the "pouch"  the RnY creates a horizonal pouch while the MGB creates a near vertical tube, the impact of this that in the MGB food passes through more quickly and has less time to be absorbed. Everyone has a slightly different reaction to WL surgery and to the MGB itself.  I used to have a lot of acid reflux and have had none since the op.  I asked an 8 year MGB veteran before my op and she told me she had 5 occurences in 8 years.  Typically with a 6ft MGB you will lose weight for 2 years although men lose weight faster, what you do in those two years determine the way ahead.  If you go back to bad habits you will regain some weight but not like before.  I know one MGB patient who stopped losing after 11 months and then 5 months later started losing again and lost 70 more in the second stage.  Your new stomach will stretch over those two years but you will still only manage 1/4 portions typically. If you stuff yourself with chocolate your body will obviously not do as well as if you eat a healthy diet.  Most people report that their tastes change and that they like more fruit.  Some tolerate fats less anyway. You have to weigh up all the benefits of weight loss with some of the things you have to do like no tea or coffee for life (because the tannic acid damages the new stomach) or the taking vitamins for the rest of your life. If you really want to know about the MGB download their patient manual and take the time to learn it, I know it is a horrible document with too much information but it is worth it when considering such life changing surgery.

Actually the MGB does not have a pouch like the RNY. It looks a bit like a sleeve. They do a larger bypass then most RNY. Sleeve is not a bypass. It is more like the lap band except they remove part of your stomach and throw it out. It cannot be reversed. MGB can be reversed and revised. From what I have read about the sleeve you will not have to worry about vitamin or other deficiances, dumping these types of things you can have with a bypass. Thanks. Van

Hi Van, You are already somewhat familiar with me.  You communicated with me on the revision board.  As you know I had the surgery almost 8 years ago.  I have since regained alot of my weight back.  I hear doctor Rutledge is much more aggressive with the bypass than he was 8 years ago.  I wish you continued success!

What is the difference between a mini gastric bypass and the vertical sleeve?   They look the same to me.   Sorry for my ignorance.  Thanks for answering.    Debby

Hi,Van, Sorry I've been out of touch with this board.  I check in occasionally but have not found many recent posts lately. I had my MGB with Dr. Walsh in North Carolina when he was still associated with CLOS.  I have had great success with the surgery---have gone from a high of 392 to 195.  I held a weight of 180-185 for a year and a half, but I am now experiencing a problem with weight gain.  I know the reason---I quit smoking in September and graze all day!  Every time I want to smoke, I eat!  I have gotten into a real rut with this and HAVE to find something else to substitute.  I've even considered counseling to help me deal with this.  I hope it will resolve itself, but I am really afraid of regaining a significant amount of weight if I don't do something now. Even so, my life has changed tremendously.  At almost 400 pounds three years ago, I suffered from numerous health problems and was even confined to a wheelchair due to my weight and post-polio problems.  I go all the time now!  I even made my first trip to Las Vegas last week.  The walking was tough, but at least I got to go and have a great time. I, too, would like to see more activity here.  Many of the folks here in the past had mini-gastric  bypass surgeries with doctors other than those with CLOS. It becomes confusing sometimes as to exactly what mini-gastric bypass they had.   Sounds like you're doing great.  I LOVED that first year when I had lost weight every time I weighed.  I still feel the MGB is the best option out there.  Best wishes for continued success. Sandy