Mini Gastric Bypass Side Effects
Individuals who want to lose weight and jumpstart a healthier lifestyle can benefit from bariatric surgery. Our team of surgeons at Tijuana Bariatrics in Tijuana, Mexico, provides a number of advanced weight loss procedures to help our patients improve their overall quality of life. We can also coordinate your treatment in Monterrey if that location is more convenient.
The mini gastric bypass is a modified version of the traditional gastric bypass surgery. This method requires less intestinal rerouting and offers a faster overall recovery time. Like any surgical procedure, there are certain mini gastric bypass side effects that patients should be aware of. Here, we discuss typical side effects, risks, and complications of the treatment. We will also offer a few recommendations to foster a safe and successful recovery.
Mini Gastric Bypass: A Brief Overview
At our practice, we perform laparoscopic mini gastric bypass. This procedure is less invasive than traditional bariatric surgery. In contrast to open surgery, laparoscopic surgery only requires five incisions in the abdominal area. Your surgeon places the instruments through the incisions, then modifies the stomach into a small tube. The new stomach is then attached to the small intestine, bypassing the duodenum and a portion of the bowel. Finally, the incisions are closed with sutures. In most cases, this procedure can be completed in about one hour.
Common Side Effects
Anytime you undergo a surgical procedure, some degree of discomfort is expected. Patients who have mini gastric bypass may also develop:
- Constipation: Many individuals experience constipation following weight loss surgery. While it may be tempting to take granular fiber to alleviate the problem, this can actually cause obstruction. Talk with your surgeon about ways to reduce the risk of constipation.
- Gallstones: When you lose weight rapidly, gallstones are a common occurrence. In fact, they develop in about 50 percent of cases. Typically, gallstones are harmless. However, in some cases, they may need to be surgically removed.
- Dumping syndrome: Following weight loss surgery, foods and drinks with high sugar content are not recommended. Consuming these can lead to severe nausea and fatigue.
- Wound infections: Sometimes patients may develop redness or inflammation around the incisions. This indicates an infection and will require antibiotics.
Serious Risks and Complications
While serious complications are rare, it is important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms so you can take proper action. Severe mini gastric bypass side effects include:
- Blood in the stool: If your stool appears dark red or black, it could indicate a serious issue. Contact your surgeon immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
- Blood clots: Though rare, blood clots can be life-threatening. Typically, frequent activity and blood thinning medications can help prevent this complication.
- Leaky connections: During the mini gastric bypass procedure, your surgeon connects one end of the small intestine loop to your new stomach pouch and connects the other end lower down on the intestine. Each of these connections is referred to as an anastomosis. In some instances, digestive juices can leak through an anastomosis. This typically happens within the first five days and should be addressed immediately.
Recommendations for a Successful Recovery
Following your mini gastric bypass, it is important to follow all recommended guidelines from your surgeon. You will be provided with a specific list of instructions, but here are a few recommendations in the meantime:
- Walk as soon as you can following surgery to prevent blood clots.
- Follow the postoperative diet.
- Attend all of your follow-up appointments.
- Consider joining a support group of individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery.
Contact Our Practice Today
If you are considering mini gastric bypass, or you have recently undergone the procedure, it is important to be cognizant of side effects. To learn more or to schedule an appointment at our Tijuana, Mexico, practice, contact us online or call us at (800) 308-3607.
