One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) or Mini Gastric Bypass: Procedure, Recovery, Eligibility

What is One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass?

One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass, also known as Mini Gastric Bypass, or Omega Loop Gastric Bypass is a bariatric procedure. Bariatric procedures are designed to help obese or severly obese individuals lose excess weight by modifying parts of their digestive tract.

There are several weight-loss procedures available, including sleeve gastrectomy, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, gastric balloon, and SASI-S, among the others. Patients who are planning a bariatric procedure often suffer from diseases that are related to their weight. These procedures can help them immensely to become healthier and improve their quality of life. Each patient will be assessed on an individual case to establish which procedure is the right one for them.

One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass, or OAGB surgery, was developed at the end of the 1990s and has gained much popularity especially in the last few years thanks to its safety and reliable results. In this article, we are going to examine this procedure, how it works, who it is for, and what you should expect after the operation.

Picture this: you’re under general anesthesia, peacefully unaware as the OAGB surgery unfolds. Thanks to the wonders of laparoscopy, the surgeon makes just five small incisions in your abdomen, serving as gateways for specialized surgical instruments.

In the first step, the surgeon wields surgical staples to divide the stomach into two parts, with only the smaller portion (about 25% of its original size) playing a role in your future digestion. The larger section takes a backseat, no longer contributing to the digestive process.

The second step is where the magic happens. A significant part of the small intestine, including the duodenum, is rerouted and connected to the smaller stomach portion. This clever bypass, often referred to as a mini gastric bypass, involves less surgical rerouting than traditional gastric bypass procedures.

How does One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) work?

One-Anastomosis gastric bypass is performed under general anaesthesia. This means that you will be asleep throughout the procedure. OAGB surgery is performed using a laparoscope, so incisions will be minimal. The surgeon will create five small incisions in your abdomen that will be the access points for special surgical instruments.

OAGB surgery involves two steps. First, the surgeon will divide the stomach in two unequal parts using surgical staples. Only the smaller part of the stomach (around 25% of its original size) will be used going forward. The larger portion will remain unutilised and won’t be involved in the digestive process any longer.

Secondly, the surgeon reroutes a large portion of the small intestine (duodenum) and part of the bowel by connecting it to the smaller portion of the stomach. This bypass does not require as much surgical rerouting as in the traditional gastric bypass. That’s why this procedure is also known as mini gastric bypass.

OAGB surgery works on one hand as a restrictive procedure because, as the stomach is made smaller, the patient is unable to eat as much as they did before surgery and will feel full sooner and longer. Moreover, OAGB surgery also works through malabsorptive techniques: since the small intestine has been rerouted, the food being digested does not stay in the digestive tract as long. This way, the body doesn’t have the time to extract and absorb all the calories and nutrients.

With lower quantities of food ingested and reduced absorption, patients typically will lose a significant amount of weight in a relatively short time.

Who is One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) for?

OAGB surgery, as all bariatric surgeries, will be recommended on a case-to-case basis. However, these are the general guidelines to be eligible:

• Individuals whose BMI is 40 or greater. You can calculate your Body Mass Index here;
• Individuals whose BMI is 35 and have one or more obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.

What should I expect after a One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB)?

After the procedure, you will need to stay at our clinic for 2-3 days. During this time, our nurses and medical staff will take care of you. You will receive an extensive post-op programme for you to follow once you’re back home, which entails diet and work-out recommendations. Like for all bariatric surgeries, post-op guidelines are crucial to ensure that your procedure is successful. Make sure that you follow your doctor’s recommendations carefully and be ready to embrace a rather different lifestyle. This will help you in the long run!

Bariatric procedures can be seen as a ‘tool’ to help patients lose weight. Similarly to other weight-loss procedures, OAGB surgery typically causes a 75% loss of excess body weight over two years. This is possible only with the full commitment of patients to drastically changing their eating habits and lifestyle. These typically include eating in small portions, having a regular exercise plan, and avoiding fried foods, sweets, and sodas.

OAGB surgery is considered a reversible procedure, so the mini gastric bypass can be reversed after some time if deemed necessary.

Is OAGB Right for You?: The Eligibility Criteria

Wondering if OAGB is your ticket to weight loss? Generally, it’s recommended for individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher. If you’re not sure where you stand, you can calculate your Body Mass Index. Additionally, those with a BMI of 35 and obesity-related diseases like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure may also find OAGB on the table.

How do I get started?

First of all, feel free to get in touch with us at KCM Clinic using this form. One of our patient coordinators will be in touch and will discuss with you: your medical history, current diseases or illnesses you may have, as well as any medications you’re taking. They will walk you through the procedure and answer any questions you might have.

After our medical staff has confirmed that you are eligible for the procedure, you will arrange a treatment date with our coordinators. We offer convenient packages for international patients, and we’ll gladly pick you up from the airport or train station, if necessary. Before your arrival, you will be given a pre-op diet plan that you should follow in order to prepare for the operation. It is very important that you follow these guidelines carefully!

To find out more about how we make it easy to travel for our patients, feel free to read this article.

The experts at KCM Clinic are here to help you navigate through your weight-loss journey. Contact us anytime – from determining what procedure is right for you to keeping tabs on your recovery once you’re back home, we’ll offer our continuous support and guidance towards a healthier you.

Advantages & Disadvantages of One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass

Post-Op Retreat

After the surgical symphony, plan to stay at the clinic for 2-3 days. During this time, our diligent medical team will be your companions, ensuring a smooth recovery. Expect an extensive post-op program upon your return home, complete with diet and exercise recommendations. Embrace it—it’s a crucial part of the success journey.

The Ongoing Commitment

Consider bariatric procedures as tools, and OAGB is no exception. Typically resulting in a 75% loss of excess body weight over two years, it demands your commitment. Small portions, regular exercise, and bidding farewell to fried foods, sweets, and sodas become your new allies.