Question:
Are these the same ,mini bypass laproscopy?

   — Cindee A. (posted on March 29, 2001)

March 29, 2001
If you mean the terms, "mini bypass" and "laparoscopy", then no...they are not the same.....mini bypass is a particular type of wls performed by Dr. Rutledge in NC (I think he is the only one who is doing this type of surgery...I could be wrong though) Laparoscopy is a specific procedure some doctors are doing now, inorder to to the wls....it involves some small incisions instead of one large incision...the doctor uses instuments with long handles, and a camera, that go inside of your body...he watches the procedure on a tv screen, as you are not opened up...well, this is a very rough, layman's explanation...there are some great websites that can explain it MUCH better than what I have attempted to do! But both terms do not have much to do with each other...mini gastric bypass has had some controversy....if you are considering it...please research it thoroughly.
   — lynne S.

March 29, 2001
I think what you are asking is if the mini-gastric bypass and the RNY gastric bypass is the same, right? Laproscopy is strictly the technique the surgeon uses in any surgery. You either have an open operation, where they cut you open wide enough for them to get their hands in their, or the Lap, which is where they only make small incisions and insert tools inside of you that does all of the work. As far as the mini-gastri and the RNY, they are very different. I'm not sure I know all of the procedure for the mini, but I think it entails not cutting away any of the lower intestine. Therefore, malabsorption could not occur. Probably something similar to stapling, but a perfected way of doing. I'm sure you will get more answers on this, but if you go and search for mini-gastric bypass and then read about the RNY, you'll see the difference. I know, not much help, am I? But I'm positive, at least, that they aren't the same.
   — Dawn R.