Gastric bypass surgery (Roux-en-y)

For private mini-gastric bypass surgery enquiries, call 0330 053 6443

Roux-en-y-gastric bypass surgery costs and locations

What is a mini-gastric bypass?

The mini-gastric bypass (MGB) is a type of weight loss surgery that involves creating a smaller stomach pouch and rerouting the digestive tract to promote weight loss. This treatment results in patients feeling fuller after smaller meals.

The surgeon creates a tubular stomach pouch and connects it to a loop of the small intestine. This rearrangement aims to restrict the amount of food that can be consumed and reduce the absorption of calories and nutrients.

It is considered less complex and typically takes less time to perform than the traditional gastric bypass. It can offer similar weight loss results and improvements in obesity-related health conditions.

Alternatives

Gastric sleeve surgery involves the removal of around 75-80% of the stomach, leaving behind a sleeve-shaped tube or pouch, without rerouting the digestive system. The surgery also restricts the amount of food the stomach can hold and alters the production of hormones related to hunger.

Talk to your doctor or surgeon about the best option for you.

Who is it for?

This procedure is designed for those who have struggled to lose weight through traditional methods like diet and exercise and are at risk of serious health problems due to their weight.

Criteria for surgery varies, but usually includes:

  • a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or higher
  • a BMI of 30 or higher with obesity-related health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea etc
  • willingness to follow life-long lifestyle changes such as dietary modifications and regular exercise.

You must also be fit and well enough to undergo surgery with general anaesthetic. Before surgery, you should have a full assessment to make sure it’s the right choice for you.

In one study, mini bypass surgery resulted in greater weight loss at 1 year and had a lower 30-day complication rate in comparison with sleeve gastrectomy for severely obese patients. For this reason, it may be more suited to those with severe obesity.

Mini-gastric bypass results

Mini-gastric bypass surgery can lead to significant weight loss and provide various health benefits for people struggling with obesity. For example:

  • significant and sustained weight loss of up to 75% of excess weight
  • improvement or resolution of obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and heart disease
  • a better quality of life with improved energy levels, mobility, mental health and wellbeing
  • increased metabolic rate, making it easier to burn calories and maintain weight loss
  • reduced dependency on certain medications.

Mini-gastric bypass risks and side effects

Like any surgical procedure, this operation comes with potential risks and complications. These can include:

  • Surgical risks such as infection, excessive bleeding, blood clots or reaction to anaesthetic
  • Digestive complications such as dumping syndrome (a condition characterised by rapid passage of food into the small intestine, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and cramps)
  • Nutritional deficiencies – you will need to take vitamin and mineral supplements
  • Gastrointestinal complications such as ulcers or stricture
  • Reflux or heartburn
  • Leakage from staple joins
  • Gallstones as a result of rapid weight loss
  • Weight regain, especially if post-operative guidelines are not adhered to.

Your surgeon will talk through all of the possible complications with you before you agree to be treated. If you experience any negative or worrying side effects, it’s important to contact your medical team straight away.

Mini-gastric bypass costs in the UK

The cost for private bariatric surgery in the UK ranges from around £8,000 to £15,000, depending on the procedure and provider.

At Practice Plus Group, we’re proud to offer affordable, transparent pricing without any hidden costs.

Our fixed price for Mini Bypass/Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass is £9,449, plus £95 for an initial consultation which includes an assessment and any blood tests, scans or x-rays that may be needed.

Ways to pay

There are several ways to access weight loss surgery at Practice Plus Group:

Waiting lists

NHS waiting times for mini bypass surgery can vary depending on your location and the current demand. Waits can range from several months to over a year.

At Practice Plus Group, we have short waiting times for bariatric procedures.

What to expect

Find out what to expect at each stage of the procedure.

Preparing for surgery

Before surgery, you will be booked in for an initial consultation. You’ll meet your dedicated surgeon and anaesthetist and have any necessary tests, including x-rays and blood tests. This is your opportunity to talk about your general health and medical history, ask questions and prepare yourself for the procedure.

Once you have had your initial consultation with the surgeon, you will be booked in for a consultation with our dietician to fully understand your history and reasons for wanting the surgery. Once weight loss surgery is deemed appropriate for you, you will be booked in for a full nurse/anaesthetic review, at this stage we would need to access to your past medical history from your GP, then the surgery will be booked.

Your healthcare team may provide you with a preoperative diet plan to prepare your body for surgery.

You may be asked to make healthy lifestyle changes a few months before surgery to prepare yourself for the life-long adjustments. For example; stopping smoking, eating a healthy diet and increasing your physical activity.

Before surgery, remember to prepare your home so it’s suitable for your recovery and arrange for someone to collect you from hospital.

You may be asked to stop eating or drinking for several hours before surgery.

Mini-gastric bypass explained

For the surgery, you will be put to sleep under general anaesthetic. The procedure will usually take between 1 and 3 hours.

During surgery, the surgeon creates a small, tubular stomach pouch by stapling or sewing the upper part of the stomach. This pouch significantly reduces the volume of the stomach, limiting the amount of food it can hold.

The small intestine is then divided, and the lower end is connected to the newly created stomach pouch. This bypasses a portion of the stomach and the first section of the small intestine.

The bypassed section of the small intestine is then reconnected further down the digestive tract. This allows food to pass from the small pouch into the small bowel where it can mix with digestive juices and enzymes, promoting nutrient absorption.

By bypassing some of the bowel before absorption can take place, fewer calories are absorbed, leading to weight loss.

The surgeon then closes the small incisions made during the procedure, typically using stitches or staples.

Mini-gastric bypass recovery time

After the surgery, you will spend some time in hospital for monitoring. The length of your hospital stay can vary but is typically 1 to 2 days. Recovery time is usually shorter than traditional gastric bypass surgery.

While light activities like walking are encouraged soon after surgery, strenuous exercise is usually limited in the initial weeks. The healthcare team will provide guidance on gradually reintroducing physical activity based on individual recovery.

Pain and discomfort are common after surgery, and pain management strategies will be given. This may include medication, and the surgical team will provide instructions on how to manage pain at home.

You can usually resume higher impact exercise and swimming 6 weeks after the operation.

If your job is very strenuous you may be advised to take up to 6 weeks off work. Most people will be able to drive 1-2 weeks after surgery. However, you will need to be able to perform an emergency stop safely.

Diet after mini-gastric bypass

Bariatric surgery patients usually follow a gradual progression in their diet. This typically starts with a liquid diet and then advances to pureed and soft foods before reintroducing a regular diet. The specific diet plan will be provided by the healthcare team. You may require nutritional supplements, including vitamins and minerals, to prevent deficiencies.

Adopting and maintaining healthy lifestyle changes is crucial for long-term success after bariatric surgery. This includes dietary modifications, regular physical activity and other healthy habits.

Roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery is not a one-time event; it requires lifelong follow-up. Regular check-ups with your medical team will help monitor your weight loss progress, address any issues and provide ongoing support.

Surgeons and consultants

At Practice Plus Group, you can choose an experienced consultant to support you throughout your time with us, ensuring you receive first-class care.

You can search for consultants on our website by treatment, language or name.

Find mini-gastric bypass procedures near you

At our hospital in Barlborough any patient in need of our services is welcome, regardless of location, as long as it’s safe for us to treat you.

If you’re ready to experience life to the fullest and improve your long term health, get in touch to see if mini bypass surgery is the right option for you.

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Roux-en-y gastric bypass FAQs

Find the answers to commonly asked questions regarding gastric bypass surgery.

Mini-gastric bypass is a permanent procedure and reversal is not commonly an option.

This is dependent on how closely you follow lifestyle and dietary changes post-op. The procedure can lead to up to 70% excess weight loss.

Patients lose most of their excess weight in the first year and can lose more weight over the next 6 to 12 months. 2

All surgical procedures come with potential risks. However, mini gastric bypass has a relatively low risk with a death rate of 1 in 500 to 1 in 1000. 2

It’s important to approach alcohol consumption with caution as changes to your stomach may affect how you process alcohol. You may have increased sensitivity, become intoxicated more quickly and be at an increased risk of dehydration and ulcers. Talk to your doctor or surgeon about drinking safely.

The effects are generally considered to be long-lasting, and the procedure is considered permanent.

In order to maintain weight loss, you will need to follow specific dietary guidelines and adopt life-long healthy habits such as smaller portions, mindful eating and exercise.

After the initial recovery phase where you will be recommended a phased diet of liquids, pureed, soft then solid foods, you will need to follow certain guidelines:

  • Eat small, nutrients-rich meals
  • Take necessary vitamins and supplements
  • Ensure proper hydration
  • Eat plenty of protein.

It’s important to follow the dietary advice of your health care provider to achieve a successful outcome.

The eligibility criteria is usually a BMI of 35, or 30 and above, plus an obesity-related health condition.

The exact size of the stomach pouch can vary among individuals and is often determined by the surgeon based on factors such as your anatomy. In general, the stomach pouch created during a mini gastric bypass is typically about 30 to 150 millilitres in volume.

It is possible to gain weight after surgery if lifestyle guidelines are not adhered to.

Long term outcomes can include:

  • sustained weight loss
  • improvement in obesity-related conditions
  • metabolic changes.

You will be supported by the healthcare team, including bariatric nurses and nutritionists during your initial recovery in hospital. You will be monitored and provided with guidance on pain management, diet and exercise.

At Practice Plus Group, we follow the Enhanced Recovery Pathway (ERP). This is a modern, evidence-based approach that helps you speed up your recovery.

You will have regular follow-ups with the healthcare team to check your progress.

This depends on your individual weight loss goals, activity level and starting weight.

After mini gastric bypass, portion sizes are significantly reduced, and your are advised to eat smaller, more frequent meals

It’s important to work closely with healthcare professionals, particularly a dietitian or nutritionist, to determine a personalised calorie intake that supports weight loss, healing, and optimal health.

Dumping syndrome is a potential complication that can occur after mini gastric bypass surgery. It occurs when food, especially sugar, moves too quickly from the stomach into the small intestine. It can lead to symptoms such as nausea, sweating, dizziness and vomiting.

Patient satisfaction after this procedure is generally high.

In one study on laparoscopic Roux-en-y surgery, after 1 year, most health issues were improved or resolved, and 95% of patients reported significant improvement in quality of life.

This varies from person to person but most people can return to normal daily activities, including work, within 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.

While neither procedure is ‘better’, different surgery types may be more suited to an individual patient. Mini gastric bypass is regarded as a less complex procedure with a shorter operative time and recovery period.

Both procedures limit the size of the stomach, however, sleeve gastrectomy does not involve rerouting the digestive system.

Peter Vasas, bariatrics consultant

Acknowledgements

Peter Vasas is a Bariatric (weight loss) surgeon having completed an Ethicon-sponsored national bariatric fellowship programme in the UK and Belgium. He specialises in Bariatric operations including band, bypass and sleeve gastrectomy as well as revision surgery.
Learn more about consultant Peter Vasas

Ways to pay