When I got the sleeve in 2011 I'd never heard of it until I came to this forum. It seemed like a miracle thing that was so much safer and better than the gastric bypass. But as I've mentioned in other posts, my sleeve is stretched, I've regained weight, and I have awful acid reflux. So now the doctor I've chosen is recommending the mini bypass and it sounds great but I'm worried that it's going to be like the sleeve, great at first but problems down the road. There just doesn't seem to be a lot of long term information out there about it. I'm all for this safer, easier version of the gastric bypass but I wish there were more people on here who've had it done. I'm just getting nervous as the date draws nearer.

My advice: go for the full bypass. I dont regret a minute of it. Vitamin deficiencies can happen with ALL WLS. And risks are about the same. The sleeve will make problems like acid reflux so much worse, but not sure about the mini bypass. All I know is I once had awful acid reflux with regurgitation-- i got the gastric bypass, and now im completely cured. This is just my story and experience, and of course you need to do what's best for you and your health, but I'm just here to say the full gastric bypass saved my life and is not as terrible malabsorption-wise as people would have you believe. Of course, it's up to you to eat right, get lots of protein and take your vitamins-- but this is easy to do once a routine is established.

I had the MGBP or Omega Loop as it is also called, also had the gastric sleeve at the same time. Couldn't be happier. It was done on 19 Jan '16. It's now over 6 weeks - It has taken me time to regain my energy but that was expected and my doctor said it would happen. Listen to the doctor you can trust. I trust mine but he is a cautious person and always errs on the side of patient safety and eventual longterm good outcomes. But as he advised it is a tool - you abuse it and it will stretch. No acid reflux whatsoever. I had a gastric band previously and had it removed 6 moths prior to the new op. Good luck with your decision. Eve, Adelaide, Australia

It sometimes feels like the new procedures get us all excited - but do even the surgeons know the consequences?

I too was sleeved in 2011 and continue to do great. i was very aware of the reflux thing - and in my opinion that is the biggest negative of the sleeve! Alot more people seem to be impacted, but in truth studies that I saw even back in 2011 indicated that around 20-30% of sleeved patients have significant reflux issues over the long haul. Sometimes it is controlled by meds, sometimes not. It seems to peak in the 3-6 year post op timeframe. I am only 4 years post op, so who knows, could still become a problem.... i keep my fingers crossed.

I don't really understand the stretched sleeve problem as that is not something i have really seen in research. I know that I have a much larger capacity than i once did, but I think that is expected/normal. I know a couple of people that are many years out from bypass, and they eat bigger meals than I do. I am not sure if it is stretching or what. I know from my own failed band experience that over time, the surgery itself becomes a much less effective tool - I am imagine this to be the case with other procedures too. I had completely incorrect expectations when i was banded, but was fortunate to have good education with the sleeve. Bottom line, at 4 years post op the restriction still helps me, but I could very easily eat enough to regain. I think many others have the same experience.

there are alot of DSers on the plastics FB group I am on. Considering that surgery is very malabsorptive and the most effective for the very high BMI - I am sometimes surprised that those patients aren't thinner. However, not sure they all work too hard at restricting their eating like I do. I wonder if they are also prone to reflux given that step one is essentially a "sleeve". I don't really know.

To be honest, i don't really understand the difference between the standard and "mini" bypass. What I do know is that procedure is constantly evolving. I think that both offer the reflux relief which is probably the main benefit, right?

If you feel the least bit unsure, i think it is worth it to take a breath, read some research studies, discuss further with your surgeon perhaps even consider a second opinion so you really know what you are getting into. I hope you get the relief and improvements you are seeking though!

First of all the MGB is not at all new and I correspond with MANY MGBs on FB who have had the procedure some as many as 14 years out and are doing amazing !

Second, I totally understand about the sleeve stretching as it happened to me as well though I have no idea why some tend to like to argue this fact.

I was a band patient, did amazing, loved my band, revised to sleeve, gained 30lbs, revised to MGB a year ago and doing great now !! 7 lbs from goal, no issues except I do tend to go to the bathroom A LOT but it's livable. Dr. Kelly is great, I consulted with him on my MGB and would have went with him except that Dr. Rodriguez who is equally as qualified did in house financing which helped me out a lot. Come over the FB, there are 2 very active MGB groups that will be happy to answer all your questions from those who have actually had the procedure and not those who really have no idea what it's all about.

Join the Facebook MGB group! There are people on there 10+ years out. They are super nice and happy to share their experiences.

I'm only 3 months out, but I'm so glad I got the mini. I had severe reflux pre-op, and zero since.

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Edited March 17, 201610 yr by JengaBee