Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery
for Weight Loss

Following the completion of the pre-operative surgery programme everything will be in place for safe and successful surgery. It is natural to be anxious on the day of surgery. Rest assured that the Dr. Andrew Kiyingi has a reputation as a meticulous surgeon. Try to have a light and relaxed schedule the day prior to surgery and good night sleep. Please pay extra special attention to the diet and fasting instructions from our Specialist Bariatric Anaethetist. It’s important to note that fasting includes no chewing gum. On the day of surgery, you will be again greeted by Dr. Andrew Kiyingi and his Specialist Anaethetist. Please feel free to ask any additional questions. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. The key-hole (laparoscopic) procedure involves making 6 small incisions (2cm) on your abdomen. Carbon dioxide gas will be used to expand your abdomen, allowing the organs to be seen. A special narrow camera called a laparoscope, will be inserted through one incision and a video image will be relayed to a tv screen to allow Dr. Andrew Kiyingi to perform the surgery. Further small instruments will be inserted through the other incisions as required to complete the operation. During surgery your liver will be gently lifted up to reveal the stomach. The stomach will then be carefully freed from its attachments and surrounding organs. Dr. Andrew Kiyingi will assess if you have a Hiatus Hernia defect and repair it if required (read more here). A stomach sizing guide called a bougie will then be passed into your stomach. This bougie ensures consistent and accurate sizing of your new smaller stomach pouch. Dr. Andrew Kiyingi with then carefully staples along this sizing guide ensuring that each staple forms a tight seal. This stapler will divide the old stomach from the new smaller stomach pouch. The old stomach is not removed and remains healthy in the abdomen but does not receive food. Dr. Andrew Kiyingi will then accurately measure the small intestine and determine the appropriate length to bypass (usually 150 – 200cm). This loop of intestine is then brought up and joined to the small stomach pouch. A special leak test is then performed to ensure everything is secure. Dr. Kiyingi will then apply special local anaesthesia to minimise any discomfort following surgery. At the end of the procedure, the incisions are closed with dissolving sutures and covered with a waterproof dressing. The operation will be complete when you wake up and you will stay in the recovery unit for some time till you are ready to return to the surgical ward. It is common to feel tired after surgery.

At hospital

• Average length of stay after surgery: 1 – 2 Nights (Approx)
• Dr. Andrew Kiyingi will visit you daily to check recovery
• Initially your diet will involve a fluid diet in the hospital
• Anti-nausea medications and pain relief will be provided for your comfort
• Gentle walking is encouraged

At home

• Take your anti-acid medication
• Take chewable multivitamin (BN Brand – Twice-daily)
• Follow the dietary plan advised by our dietician or surgeon

MBS Item Number: Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass For Private Health Insurance, you may want to note the below MBS item number: MBS Item Number: 31572 Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

During your consultation our Practice Manager will outline the cost involved for surgery and aftercare.

• Privately Insured: If you are Privately Insured, it is important to contact your private health insurer to check that your level of cover is adequate for the item numbers we have listed below. Generally, you will require top level or gold cover and should have completed the waiting period. Medicare cover only a small portion of the surgery fees.
• Uninsured: If you are Uninsured, we are still happy to proceed with surgery. However, we will receive a separate quote from the hospital for your private hospital stay. Our practice manager will discuss this during your appointment.
• Superannuation Funds: Some patients choose to utilise early access of Superannuation funds. These may be privately insured patients who may use Superannuation to cover any fees or gaps not covered by their insurance, or uninsured patients who may use Superannuation to cover the full surgery programme amount. We are happy to support in this depending on your circumstances.

The Omega Loop Mini Gastric Bypass is a simpler version of the traditional gastric bypass. It involves one surgical connection (instead of two), making the procedure shorter and reducing potential complications. However, there is a small risk of bile reflux, which is less common with the standard gastric bypass.

The surgery usually takes 60–90 minutes, and most patients stay in the hospital for 1–2 nights. Recovery time varies, but most people return to light activities within 2 weeks and resume normal activities within 4 weeks.

Immediately after surgery, you’ll follow a staged diet, starting with liquids, then progressing to soft foods, and eventually solid foods over several weeks. Long-term, you’ll need to focus on protein-rich, nutrient-dense foods while avoiding sugary and high-fat foods. Your dietitian will guide you through this process. Read more about the post-surgery diet here.