5 Common Side Effects of Mini Gastric Bypass and How to Prevent Them

Mini gastric bypass helps patients achieve their weight loss goals with a faster recovery time than traditional gastric bypass surgery. Although recovery is faster and the mini bypass procedure is less invasive than traditional gastric bypass, there are some common side effects to be aware of.  

At Tijuana Bariatrics, our surgical team explains the common side effects of mini gastric bypass to patients in Tijuana, Mexico, and provides guidance to reduce the risk of side effects. With this in mind, our team would like to take a look at five of the most common side effects and how to prevent them.   

1. Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a condition in which bile or acid from the stomach irritates the lining of the esophagus. Because the stomach is significantly smaller after mini gastric bypass surgery, patients who overeat are more likely to experience acid reflux. 

Some ways to reduce the risk of acid reflux after mini gastric bypass surgery include eating smaller meals, eating more frequent meals instead of a few large meals, and avoiding spicy, highly acidic, or fried foods. 

2. Constipation

After mini gastric bypass surgery, some patients may experience temporary constipation. Constipation after mini gastric bypass is usually caused by a sudden decrease in food and drink and may also be caused by pain medications taken during recovery.

Constipation is often helped by staying hydrated, eating enough dietary fiber, and engaging in gentle physical activity, such as walking, after surgery. 

3. Wound Infections

As with any surgery, there is a risk of wound infections after mini gastric bypass. When an infection is present, the area around an incision may appear red or inflamed. 

Infections can be prevented by following all post-surgical instructions for wound care, including keeping wounds clean and changing bandages as directed. 

If an infection develops, it should be treated by a doctor immediately to prevent the spread of infection and other complications. 

4. Dumping Syndrome

Dumping syndrome is a possible side effect of mini gastric bypass and other weight loss surgeries. Dumping syndrome is a condition that causes foods to move from the stomach to the bowel too quickly and is more common when foods high in sugar are consumed. 

Dumping syndrome can cause patients to have such symptoms such as abdominal cramps or diarrhea 10 minutes to 3 hours after eating.

Our Tijuana patients can reduce the risk of dumping syndrome by eating smaller meals and limiting or altogether avoiding foods high in sugar.  

5. Gallstones

Gallstones are a hardened mass made of cholesterol, calcium salts, and bile pigments that form in the gallbladder that can block the bile duct and cause severe pain. Rapid weight loss increases the risk of developing gallstones. 

Gallstones sometimes cause no symptoms and don’t require treatment. However, if symptoms are present, surgical removal may be necessary.  

Mini gastric bypass patients can lower their risk of developing gallstones by eating foods high in fiber, limiting processed sugar and refined carbohydrates, and avoiding unhealthy fats, like fried foods and desserts. 

Schedule a Consultation

If you have questions about mini gastric bypass surgery or would like to find out if you’re a candidate, schedule a consultation with one of our Tijuana based bariatric surgeons.