SmartShape Weight Loss Centre
1599 Hurontario St, #302
Mississauga, ON L5G 4S1
Phone: (888) 278-7952
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

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Mini Gastric Bypass Weight Loss Surgery

Mini Gastric Bypass Weight Loss Surgery

SmartShape™ Weight Loss Centre offers a modern alternative to the traditional gastric bypass procedure called Mini Gastric Bypass surgery for patients from Toronto, Mississauga, and other Ontario cities, Alberta, Quebec, British Columbia, and throughout Canada.

The Mini Gastric Bypass Procedure

The Mini Gastric Bypass (MGB), also known as a one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), is performed laparoscopically at our surgery centre in Toronto. The surgery takes about 60 to 90 minutes to complete. It’s a two-part procedure that divides approximately 25% of the stomach from the rest of the stomach. The remaining section, called a “gastric pouch,” is then joined to the small intestine above a new surgical connection. After surgery, the majority of the stomach and approximately one-third of the small intestine are “bypassed”—which means they are no longer involved in the digestion or absorption of the food you eat.

How Does a Mini Gastric Bypass Work?

The Mini Gastric Bypass procedure helps you achieve lasting weight loss in two ways:

The small stomach pouch fills quickly, telling the brain that you feel satisfied and comfortable with smaller portions of food.
Food bypasses a section of the intestine to reduce the amount that is absorbed.

Benefits of a Mini Gastric Bypass

On average, patients who have the Mini Gastric Bypass procedure lose up to 75% of their excess weight—most of which occurs in the first year. Other benefits of MGB or OAGB bariatric surgery include:

Minimally invasive
Less than an hour in the operating room
Recovery is only a few weeks

With the support and encouragement of our SmartShape weight loss coaches, you can successfully set and achieve your goals, both on and off the scale.

Is the Mini Gastric Bypass Right for You?

Are you ready to live your best life? Weight loss surgery could be the right choice for you if you:

Are at least 18 years old
Have a BMI of 35 or more
Are prepared to make changes in your eating habits and lifestyle
Prefer a procedure that requires minimal ongoing intervention
Do not drink alcohol in excess and aren’t dependent on recreational drugs

At SmartShape Weight Loss Centre, we also offer gastric sleeve weight loss surgery. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your weight loss surgery options with you.

For more information about SmartShape Weight Loss Centre and weight loss surgery, visit our FAQs page.

Our Patients' Success Will Inspire You

Sara's Story

"I was ready to change my life for the better!"

I have struggled with my weight my entire life. I was overweight as a child and never really grew out of it. I was always the "chubby girl" in school and carried this into high school and university. I lost weight before starting post-secondary school through intense calorie restriction and exercise but unfortunately packed it all back on (and more!) with the stress of studying… Read On

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"I was ready to change my life for the better!"

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery?

You should be ready to return to work and regular light activity within about 10 days but must delay strenuous activity for about 3 to 4 weeks.

Post-Surgical Care Schedule

You will need to stay overnight in the hospital after Mini Gastric Bypass surgery before returning home. We provide 24/7 after-hours support and a follow-up consultation with your surgeon as needed. Here is a general schedule for post-op care:

Day 1 – stay in the hospital overnight
Days 2-10 – stay home from work to recover
Weeks 1-2 – meet with your nurse and dietitian in person or virtually
Month 1 – attend post-weight loss webinar
Months 1-3 – meet with your dietitian and nurse
Month 6 – meet with your nurse for follow-up tests
Months 6-9 – continue meeting with your dietitian
Year 1 – meet with your nurse for follow-up blood work
Years 2-5 – continue meeting with your nurse and dietitian and have follow-up blood work
Years 5+ – blood work will be completed with your family physician

FAQs About the Mini Gastric Bypass Procedure at SmartShape

Is Mini Gastric Bypass surgery dangerous?

When the procedure is being performed by a qualified bariatric surgeon on a carefully screened patient at an accredited medical facility, Mini Gastric Bypasssurgery is very safe. At SmartShape Weight Loss Centre, we have a team of fully qualified surgeons who have performed bariatric surgery procedures on over 7,000 patients.

Are there any downsides to the surgery?

For safety and success after Mini Gastric Bypass surgery, you must commit to certain changes in your lifestyle and eating habits. Potential drawbacks of Mini Gastric Bypass surgery include:

Difficult to reverse
Elevated risk and longer recovery than other options due to its complexity
Increased possibility of dumping syndrome from eating food high in calories, sugar, and fat
Risk of nutritional deficiencies, ulcers, and bowel obstructions
Increased sensitivity to alcohol

Will I feel pain after the procedure?

The Mini Gastric Bypass procedure is performed laparoscopically using small incisions. This low-risk, minimally invasive technique has many benefits over open surgery including:

Smaller surgical scars
Less pain
Shorter hospital stay
Faster recovery
Reduced risk of infection

During the first week after the procedure, expect to feel some pain. The discomfort is usually restricted to the laparoscopic port sites and can be managed with oral pain medication. You may also experience mild “gas pain” that settles in a couple of days. Your doctor will give you instructions regarding pain management.

Do I need to follow a special diet in the weeks immediately following the procedure?

Following the procedure, you will be on a liquid-only diet. After a few days, you will be ready to begin trying some thicker liquids. The SmartShape team will explain when and how to transition your diet during the first few weeks. You will likely be ready for solid food 3 to 4 weeks after your procedure. It is important to follow the diet you have been provided and not rush the process of increasing your food intake.

How much weight can you lose with a Mini Gastric Bypass?

The average SmartShape Mini Gastric Bypass patient loses up to 75% of their excess weight, most of which is shed within the first year. The success of your surgery depends on your commitment to consistent exercise and healthy eating, all supported by our 5-Year AfterCare Success Program.

Is MGB surgery available for out-of-town/out-of-province patients?

Yes, SmartShape welcomes out-of-town and out-of-province patients. The Mini Gastric Bypass procedure is performed at our Clearpoint Surgical Toronto. After surgery, you will be monitored overnight in our facility and will be discharged the next day. Once you leave the facility, you should be able to return to your normal activities in about 7 to 10 days.

Out-of-province patients may be eligible for funding from their home province health plan. Please contact your home province health department to see if you qualify, and if so, for what amount/elements of your procedure. (Coverage varies by province.)

Home province health departments:

Can I resume physical activity after the MGB procedure?

We recommend you start walking up to 30 minutes per day as soon as you are able. Strenuous exercise is not recommended until 3 to 4 weeks after surgery. We recommend that you do not lift more than 10 to 15 pounds for at least 2 weeks.

How much does Mini Gastric Bypass cost at SmartShape in Toronto, Ontario?

Please visit our Cost & Financing page to learn more about the cost of a Mini Gastric Bypass procedure at SmartShape.

Can the MGB procedure be reversed?

Although the Mini Gastric Bypass procedure should be considered permanent, it can be reversed with another surgical procedure. Revision surgery is very uncommon and typically leads to weight regain; however, reversal is possible. A Mini Gastric Bypass is different from the traditional gastric bypass, which is very difficult, if not impossible, to reverse.

Will I regain weight after surgery?

While weight gain is common after weight loss through dieting alone, most patients experience long-term weight loss after Mini Gastric Bypass surgery.

How does the MGB affect type 2 diabetes?

Bariatric surgery has emerged as an innovative alternative option in the management of type 2 diabetes. Many 5-year studies show that the Mini Gastric Bypass, as well as other bariatric surgeries, leads to a profound and durable resolution of type 2 diabetes.

Bariatric surgery procedures can result in sustained body weight loss and significant improvement in obesity-related comorbidities. Surgical weight loss procedures are recognized by Diabetes Canada to lead to significant and sustained weight loss and remission of Type 2 diabetes.

The Mini Gastric Bypass procedure often leads to more rapid remission of type 2 diabetes due to hormonal changes that occur as a result of food not passing through the first part of the small bowel. For this reason, SmartShape surgeons may suggest the Mini Gastric Bypass procedure if you have type 2 diabetes.

How is the MGB different than the traditional bypass procedure?

The Mini Gastric Bypass is both safe and effective. The MGB involves just one anastomosis (join) of the intestine to the stomach; the traditional gastric bypass involves two anastomoses. Single anastomosis reduces the risk of complications including hernias, leakage, and bleeding. The Mini Gastric Bypass procedure requires only one night’s stay in the hospital.

The Mini Gastric Bypass procedure was developed in 1997 with the goal of duplicating the excellent weight loss results of traditional gastric bypass surgery while at the same time simplifying the procedure, shortening the operating times, and reducing complications. For these reasons, the Mini Gastric Bypass is gaining in popularity as the modern alternative to gastric bypass.

Will I have to take vitamins or minerals as a result of having an MGB?

After the Mini Gastric Bypass, it will be necessary for you to take some specially chosen supplements on a daily basis. These supplements will ensure that you do not become deficient in some important nutrients such as iron, calcium, and some B vitamins.

Is it safe to become pregnant after having had the MGB procedure?

Yes, it is safe to become pregnant after receiving the Mini Gastric Bypass procedure, although it is wise to wait a number of months. In addition, losing weight improves your fertility and makes pregnancy safer for both you and your baby.

Do you offer the Mini Gastric Bypass program to people from outside Canada?

Yes, SmartShape is able to accommodate international clients through our dedicated International Patient Program. Please contact SmartShape directly for more details, by calling (888) 278-7952 to speak with one of our Program Advisors in this area.

We encourage you to book a free consultation using our online form to discuss your specific needs and address any questions you may have, so you can find out if the Mini Gastric Bypass is a good choice for you.