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, Québec, British Columbia, the Atlantic Provinces (Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia), 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 Clearpoint Surgical Toronto. The surgery takes about 60 to 90 minutes to complete. It’s a two-part procedure that involves:
Dividing approximately 25% of the stomach from the rest of the stomach.
Joining the remaining section, called a “gastric pouch,” to the small intestine above a new surgical connection.
After surgery, the majority of the stomach and approximately one-third of the small intestine is “bypassed”—which means they are no longer involved in the digestion or absorption of the food you eat.
Once the surgery is complete, you will be monitored overnight in our facility and discharged the next day.
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.
Why Choose a Mini Gastric Bypass Over a Traditional Gastric Bypass?
The Mini Gastric Bypass procedure, developed in 1997, is a simplified version of the traditional procedure that involves one anastomosis (join) of the intestine to the stomach instead of two. Advantages include:
Reduced surgical time
Shorter hospital stay
Reduced risk of hernia, leakage, and bleeding
For these reasons, the Mini Gastric Bypass is gaining popularity as the modern alternative to gastric bypass.
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.
How Much Does Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery Cost in Canada?
The cost of weight loss surgery at SmartShape in Toronto varies between patients and procedures. Please visit our Procedure Cost page and review this blog post to learn more.
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.
Smartshape Serves Gastric Bypass Patients From All Over Canada and Beyond
SmartShape welcomes out-of-town patients from other provinces and outside of Canada for Mini Gastric Bypass and other weight loss surgery.
Out-of-province patients from cities across Canada, including Calgary, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland, may be eligible for funding from their home province’s health plan. Check with the health department in your home province to see if you qualify and, if so, for what amount/elements of your procedure because coverage varies between provinces.
Patients from outside of Canada should contact us directly for more details by calling
(888) 278-7952 to speak with one of our Program Advisors and learn about our dedicated International Patient program.
In consideration of our out-of-province and international patients, we have adapted our follow-up programs to limit the need to travel.
What Is the Difference Between a Mini Gastric Bypass and a Gastric Sleeve?
Mini Gastric Bypass surgery reduces food intake and limits calorie absorption. The size of the stomach is reduced, so it fills faster than before surgery, causing patients to eat less. This procedure also reroutes the digestive system around a portion of the small intestine, reducing calorie absorption.
Gastric Sleeve surgery reduces the stomach to a small sleeve that fills quickly, making patients feel full with smaller portions of food. The surgery removes the main portion of the stomach that produces the hunger hormone (ghrelin), helping patients go longer between meals.
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
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
Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring: The Final Touch for Your New Physique
After your weight loss, you’ll feel healthier and more confident. Removing loose skin with body contouring surgery can take your confidence to the next level! Post-weight loss body contouring surgery removes excess skin on the arms, legs, abdomen, and breasts to help you fully enjoy your new, slimmer shape. Learn how we can help.
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 Bypass surgery 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.
What’s the best weight loss surgery?
There is no “best” weight loss procedure for all patients. If you are a good candidate for surgery, one of our bariatric surgeons can help you decide which one works best for you by considering your weight, medical history, age, and other factors.
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.
Is there anything I should avoid after surgery?
Avoid overdoing it (physically and emotionally) and straying from your prescribed diet to minimize the possibility of complications or setbacks in your recovery. You will be given specific post-op instructions to follow closely after surgery.
Is bypass surgery covered by OHIP?
OHIP covers weight loss surgery for people who meet certain criteria. Qualified patients that use OHIP coverage are not given a choice of procedure; they usually receive gastric bypass surgery. Learn more in this blog post.
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 often are mini gastric bypass surgeries successful?
The success of this procedure depends on your age, underlying health status, and your commitment to eating right and exercising consistently. Our team is ready to support you!
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.
What kind of foods should I eat following mini gastric bypass surgery?
After the surgery, you will need to follow a diet that begins with liquids, introduces thicker liquids after a few days, and arrives at solid foods in about 3 to 4 weeks. Nutrition and small portions are key every step of the way. You will be provided with specifics as part of your aftercare program.
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.
