Most patients are discharged home the second postoperative day. Some will stay an additional night or perhaps two depending on their health issues, especially their mobility, and availability of support at home.

During mini gastric bypass, the intestine is not divided but is linked to the small gastric pouch. This procedure is simpler than the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and therefore might have lower peri-operative complication risks while offering weight loss comparable to the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

As with any surgical operation there are associated short and long-term complications such as internal bleeding (1%), anastomotic leak (0.5-1%), blood clot in the legs (deep vein thrombosis; DVT) or in the lung (pulmonary embolism), infection, malabsorption of vitamins and micronutrients, internal hernia, anastomotic ulcer, and weight regain. The connection between the stomach pouch and the small intestine is tested at the end of surgery with a blue dye to ensure “no leak”, but until it has fully healed (which takes 4-6 weeks) you should strictly follow the diet advice you will receive on discharge. To prevent clots, we advise that you keep the elastic stockings we give you and to take the low molecular weight heparin injections for few days after leaving the hospital. Physical activity is also encouraged from the first postoperative hours. We routinely close the mesenteric defect created when a mini gastric bypass is constructed in order to reduce the risk of future internal small bowel herniation and bowel obstruction. However, that risk cannot be eliminated completely (1-2%).

Malnutrition after a mini gastric bypass is quite rare, but might require nutritional support or intervention. Excess alcohol intake is a risk factor for protein malnutrition and should be avoided. Bacterial overgrowth in the bypassed segment of small intestine although rare may result in diarrhoea. Other causes for diarrhoea after mini gastric bypass are excess fat and sugar intake. Bacterial overgrowth is usually easily managed by a course of antibiotics. There is also a small risk of troublesome bile reflux that could be difficult to treat and might require laparoscopic conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

The long-term results of this operation, after 10 years, have shown that weight regain can develop in a very small percentage of patients. Combination of factors including eating habits, quality of food, alcohol intake and gut adaptation have been associated with weight regain.
It is essential therefore to adopt a new life style and carry it on for a durable weight loss.