The Mini Gastric Bypass is a weight loss surgery developed by Dr Robert Rutledge , a professor from the university of North Carolina. He first developed the Mini Gastric Bypass procedure back in 1997. He based it on the loop gastric bypass first used in 1967.
In the this original loop procedure a part of the small intestine was looped to bypass a portion of the digestive system. However this loop gastric bypass was abandoned as a weight loss alternative back in in the early 1970’s because of the risk of severe inflammation and or ulceration to the stomach or lower esophagus. This procedure is still sometimes used today, not for weight loss but in the case of stomach cancer or stomach injury.
Because bariatric surgery has become so popular over the years there is always a demand for new options and treatments. One option has been developed by Dr. Robert Rutledge. He refers to it as the mini gastric bypass. His procedure reverts back to the simpler loop gastric bypass but with some improvements. During the Mini Gastric Bypass Dr. Rutledge developed he creates a long narrow pouch with the stomach. Then the new stomach is connected to the side of the small intestine bypassing about six feet of intestine.
In the 10 years since it’s development about 4000 people have chosen this Mini Gastric Bypass procedure. In 2005, actor Gil Gerard underwent the Mini Gastric Bypass operation . The surgery and subsequent recovery were filmed by Discovery Health Channel . The surgery helped him loose 140 pounds of excess weight.
According to Dr. Rutledge, on various web sites , this Mini Gastric Bypass procedure developed by him costs less then the standard gastric bypass. Approximately $17,000 or often only $9,500 for a same day out patient procedure. He claims it is a much simpler operation with similar results to the standard gastric bypass.
The complete system, pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative care that make up the “Mini Gastric Bypass” surgery is owned exclusively by Dr. Robert Rutledge and his centers for Laparoscopic Obesity Surgery. The Mini Gastric Bypass system is restricted to surgeons and bariatric programs that have completed training and received permission from Dr. Rutledge to do so. In turn Dr Rutledge receives a portion of the fees for each such Mini Gastric bypass performed.
People considering the Mini Gastric Bypass need to be aware that is a newer procedure not widely accepted . Many bariatric surgeons are concerned about the overall safety of the procedure , including the possibility of bile reflux which can lead to severe ulceration of both the stomach and the esophagus.
Advantages Disadvantages
Lower cost Not generally covered by insurance
Simpler operation High risk of bile reflux
Can be easily revised Life long vitamin supplementation
Watch a live Mini Gastric Bypass video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBeaCuUk5-M#link_2145203