Question:
What is the MGB (Mini Gastric Bypass)?

The Mini Gastric Bypass (MGB) is a short, simple, successful and inexpensive laparoscopic gastric bypass weight loss surgery. The operation usually takes only 30 min., hospitalization less than 24 hours. The Mini Gastric Bypass is low risk, has excellent long term weight loss, minimal pain and can be easily reversed or revised. 3,026 people from all across America and around the world are choosing the MGB as the Best in Bariatric Surgery.    — warobbins64 (posted on December 5, 2005)

December 4, 2005
This information was found here - http://www.gastricbypass.com/SOMO.htm Loop Gastric Bypass ("Mini Gastric Bypass") This form of Gastric Bypass was developed years ago, and has generally been abandoned by nearly all bariatric surgeons as unsafe -- several years ago, a consensus of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery was that the procedure should never be performed. Although easier to perform than the Roux en-Y, it creates a severe hazard in the event of any leakage after surgery. It seriously increases the risk of ulcer formation, and irritation of the stomach pouch by bile, as well as risking the potential of esophageal cancer. Many persons who underwent this procedure in the past have required major revisional operations to correct severe discomfort and life-threatening pathophysiologic effects. Most bariatric surgeons agree that this operation is obsolete, and should remain defunct. This operation has been resurrected, in order to make the laparoscopic procedure easier to perform, by possibly less-skilled surgeons. As shown by the single surgeon performing the procedure, the gastric pouch is excessively large, which may lead to loss of weight control over time. A fundamental principle of laparoscopic surgery is that the underlying operation should not be compromised or degraded, in order to accomplish it, by using limited access techniques. The loop bypass does not meet this standard. There is no reliable long-term data to support use of this anatomic variation. You can also find info about this operation, and why most surgeons don't do it, at http://www.Mini-GastricBypass.com. So I think we can say that there remains some controversy about it. Is it true that only one surgeon preforms it? Is that why only 3,026 have been preformed??
   — SouthTX LapBand

December 4, 2005
Hi, I had the MGB. My surgery took about 30 minutes. I was in minimal pain after the first day. I would do it a million times over. Weight loss is good, but still, it is a tool.
   — shoutjoy

December 4, 2005
If you go and do your research you will know that the stats for the MGB are much lower than the RNY. I am not knocking the RNY and I don't think that anyone of us should knock any wls that one decides on. I had the MGB 2 1/2 years ago.. My surgery took 1 hr due to scar tissue; out of the hospital the following day and in the park playing soccer with my twins on thursday and friday. My Dr.; Dr. H. at CLOS required checkups w/him every 3 months.. and he answered his own cell phone at 11p.m. on a sunday night when I thought I was "dying". Do the research, I take 3 vitamins a day; drink my gatorade/propel for the elect.; sod. and potassium. I have had no reflux problems at all. Yes, there are individuals that have had bouts of reflux problems.. but ask my best friend who had the RNY 5 years ago the problems she has had and just how much weight she has gained back. Don't bash our surgery, the MGB on this forum as we have our own forum as well and never bash the RNY.. WE just ask people to do their research, the death rate is 2.... 2 in 3,500. Humm, that speaks volumes itself! Any questions, Please feel free to e-mail at [email protected] DS
   — ds

December 4, 2005
OH and my insurance company; paid all of the $17,000 but $10. DS
   — ds

December 6, 2005
Did I miss something, or has a moderator failed to recognize that instead of question being posted here, someone posted an advertisement for a type of surgery?
   — SteveColarossi

December 7, 2005
AMOS MOD HERE! I am the moderator or better term caretaker for Q&A and did inform the original poster that although discussions are wonderful here they shouldnt appear as commercials. Given the great response discussing the risks of this particular surgery I am leaving this up for now. Thanks for everyones understanding and have a great day!
   — bob-haller

December 7, 2005
When I started researching my WLS back in 2000, the MGB was getting a lot of bad press. The surgeon ( I believe in NC) was being sued and prohibited from performing surgery (this is all on memory). I find it interesting that this surgery type seems to have lain low for a while and is receiving a rebirth so to speak. I would seriously recommend doing your research before believing that this surgery is right for you. I can't remember all of the negative specifics, but I do remember knowing that I would NEVER have this type. Shelley
   — Shelley.