mini vs sleeve

What is the difference between a mini gastric bypass and the vertical sleeve?   They look the same to me.   Sorry for my ignorance.  Thanks for answering.    Debby

The Mini GB makes the small pounch, then bypasses part of the intestine. Its not the same part as the RNY, but there is some intestinal bypass.

The sleeve is completly different. The sleeve takes your stomach and makes it smaller. You still have a fully functioning stomach, and no intestinal bypass (which means no dumping It also has fewer complications than the MGB.

That helps.  Thanks.  Are you happy with your sleeve?   I had RNY on 11-05-07, but my husband is looking at a sleeve.   Thanks for any info.  Debby

Actually the MGB does not have a pouch like the RNY. It looks a bit like a sleeve. They do a larger bypass then most RNY. Sleeve is not a bypass. It is more like the lap band except they remove part of your stomach and throw it out. It cannot be reversed. MGB can be reversed and revised. From what I have read about the sleeve you will not have to worry about vitamin or other deficiances, dumping these types of things you can have with a bypass. Thanks. Van

Yes and no, depending on the procedure performed by the surgeon.  In my case, the MGB was modified so that the anastomosis protrudes from the side of the pouch not the bottom.  The bypass portion is identical to the MGB but the stomach resection is that of the RNY. Tom

I had an MGB that was revised to a gastric sleeve.  The intestines that were bypassed with my original MGB were put back so I don't have any malabsorption aspect anymore.  I lost too much weight with my original MGB, so this was the solution for me.  I never had considered the gastric sleeve for me in the beginning because I was sure I wanted the malabsorption tool as well as the restrictive tool of a smaller stomach.  Knowing what I know now, I probably would have chosen the sleeve for me, since I only needed to lose less than 100 lbs.  I think the sleeve can be really successful for lightweights.  The MGB could be too, if you can get the dr. to commit to only bypassing a smaller portion, say 3 feet insead of the standard 6 feet.  Though when they put me back together it was noted that I had MORE than 6 feet bypassed, even though that was all my records showed.

Good question!


I am not sure myself how to choose between the 2...

How do I decide?

The sleeve seems safer?

I had the MGB in April 2007 and was bypassed approx. 7 feet.  I needed to lose 150 lbs and so far have lost 120 lbs.  I am happy with the weight I have lost so far.  The determination for the length of your bypass is determined by your surgeon based on your BMI, sex and his experience.  Dr. Rutledge has had the most experience but Dr. Peraglie is also a colon-rectal specialist.  My confidence was placed with Dr. Peraglie and I have not regretted that decision.  He has been with me every step of the way.  Do the research on both procedures and make the best decision for YOU.  My best wishes go with you for a safe journey.