Mini Gastric Bypass vs. Duodenal Switch
Choosing between mini-gastric bypass vs duodenal switch surgery is an unusually difficult decision. Especially when they are both incredibly successful when it comes to their expected weight loss and reduction of obesity-related comorbidities. In order to make an informed decision, we separate the loop mini gastric bypass vs duodenal switch to educate consumers on the best choice for you. It is important to know all the advantages, benefits, disadvantages, and what to expect from each type of weight loss procedure.
Mexico Bariatric Center analyzed the pros and cons, expected results, and long-term weight loss for both mini gastric bypass surgery and duodenal switch surgery. So let’s dive in!
Which Procedure is Best for Me?
The notable difference between these two operations is that mini-gastric bypass surgery has altered the anatomy through one connection to the intestine, while duodenal switch surgery uses two connections. These connection points are called “anastomosis.”
Apart from that, the mini-gastric bypass provides slightly less expected excess weight loss (%EWL) than the duodenal switch.
Candidacy Requirements
Do I Qualify for Mini Gastric Bypass?
Do I Qualify for Duodenal Switch?
What is the Biggest Difference?
To start off, the mini gastric bypass works by creating a small stomach pouch (about 1/20-30cc). This pouch, known as the stoma, is connected to the small intestine where food and digestive juices are separated for the first 3 to 5 feet. The RNY significantly restricts the volume of food that can be eaten.
In duodenal switch surgery, a vertical sleeve-shaped stomach pouch is created (about 4-5 oz or 120-150cc) by removing 70% of the stomach size. The duodenum (first portion of the small intestine) is attached to the last 6 feet of the small intestine, where food and digestive juices are rejoined after 12 feet. Moderate restriction of the volume of food that can eat. Provides moderate malabsorption of fat, which can cause bloating and diarrhea.
Changes to Intestine (Single vs Double Anastomosis)
Mini Gastric Bypass = Single Anastomosis: The stomach uses a single connection to the small intestine, known as single anastomosis.
Duodenal Switch = Double Anastomosis: New stomach is “switched,” to the last 6 feet of the small intestines around to alter the digestion process and limit food absorption. Uses double anastomosis, or connections to the small intestines.
Overall Results
The mini bypass is less complicated because of only one single connection to the intestines. The new stomach will hold between 4-6 ounces of food instead of an average of 40 ounces. Patients maintained a 65% loss of excess body weight 2 years after mini-gastric bypass surgery. Unfortunately, this procedure is newer with less long-term weight loss data.
The duodenal switch efficacy is effective for patients with a BMI of > 50kg/m2. Those with a BMI of <45kg/m2 may lose too much weight. It does have a higher incidence of complications than any other weight loss surgery. Two years after surgery, patients maintained a 79% loss of excess body weight. 9% (at 1 year) and 6% (at 2 years) of patients had failed to lose at least 50% of their excess weight.
Statistics Breakdown
- Highest Amount of Excess Weight Loss (%EWL) – Duodenal Switch Surgery (DS)
- Less Invasive Surgery – Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery (MGB)
- Low Complication Rate – Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery
- Less Number of Potential Side Effects – Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery
- Lowest Cost of Procedure – Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico
- Highest Reduction in Comorbidities and Health-Related Problems – Duodenal Switch Surgery (DS)
- Most Popular Surgery: Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery (MGB) as of now
Table Comparison: Mini Gastric Bypass versus Duodenal Switch
Comparing Costs and Insurance Coverage
Mexico Bariatric Center is located just across the border in Tijuana, Mexico. MBC strives to offer the most affordable, quality, and reliable all-inclusive packages to medical tourists around the world. Our cost of Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery in Mexico starts at $5,795.
Duodenal switch surgery costs anywhere from $6,000 to $35,000 around the world. At Mexico Bariatric Center, we pioneered the duodenal switch surgery in Mexico and have some of the most highly trained surgeons specializing in duodenal switch surgery. Our price is only $6,695.
The criteria for bariatric surgery insurance coverage follow strict guidelines for patients who get accepted. The process takes at least one year just to be approved by most insurance providers. Patients must follow the pre-op diet, fail a strict diet program, and meet with many medical professionals, psychologists, and a dietitian before approval.
Mini Bypass vs Duodenal Switch Cost Comparison
Complications and Side Effects
Digestive Tract and Anatomy
After the surgery, the new stomach pouch, or stoma, will hold significantly less food which creates the feeling of being full. Next, as the food exits the new stomach, it reroutes so it does not go through the duodenum and avoids most of the jejunum. Because of this, fewer calories and nutrients are absorbed, while also having most of the same digestive fluid break down the food particles.
The new digestive tract after duodenal switch surgery is also changed through both restriction (by resecting about 70% of the stomach similar to gastric sleeve) and malabsorption (bypassing a large portion of the small intestine).
A larger portion of the small intestines is bypassed, or switched, which causes the DS patient to need more vitamins and supplements for their lifetime. The anatomy is more intact, although less protein and fat is absorbed causing more nutritional deficiencies.