Long considered the “Gold Standard” of weight loss operations, a gastric bypass procedure creates a small stomach pouch that is reconnected to the small intestine. The stomach is reduced from about the size of a football to the size of a lemon, or 30cc.

The remainder of the stomach is “bypassed” along with the first port of the small intestine. This results in a reduced volume of food that can be ingested and limits intestinal absorption. Thus, it is considered a restrictive and malabsorptive operation, and supplemental calcium, iron, and vitamin B12 are needed.

Recent advances with the gastric sleeve operation have decreased the popularity of gastric bypass, particularly in the case of the Mini Sleeve®, which can be performed with fewer risks, faster recovery, improved long-term outcomes and with little need for vitamin or micronutrient supplements.