The mini-gastric bypass procedure creates a smaller stomach pouch to restrict food intake and stimulate weight loss. This procedure may be your initial bariatric surgery or be performed as a revision. With over a quarter of a century of experience and 26,000 successful procedures with an industry-leading safety rating, Obesity Control Center is a premier destination for safe and effective mini-gastric bypass in Tijuana, Mexico. We are the busiest standalone center of excellence in metabolic and bariatric surgery, and leading innovators in the field. 13-15
About the Mini Gastric Bypass
The mini-gastric bypass, or "single anastomosis gastric bypass," is a bariatric surgery technique that involves creating a smaller stomach pouch and connecting the lower portion of the small intestine to the new stomach, altering the normal digestive process to limit food intake and calorie absorption. This procedure is particularly beneficial for revising an unsuccessful sleeve or other bariatric procedures.
- Cost: Starting at $6,000
- Recovery: Patients will have lifting and activity restrictions for about about 6 weeks after surgery
- Included in Cost: Pricing covers pre-op testing, surgery, anesthesia, post-op care, transportation, medications, 5-year follow-up, and 24/7 aftercare. Airfare is not included
- Discomfort: Minimal
Some of Our Patient Before & After Images
Mini Gastric Bypass Explained by Master Surgeon Dr. Ariel Ortiz
What is mini-gastric bypass surgery?
The mini-gastric bypass procedure, also known as “single anastomosis gastric bypass,” is a bariatric surgery option that consists of creating a smaller stomach pouch and attaching the terminal part of the small intestine to the new stomach. The body’s normal digestive process is altered, restricting food intake and the number of calories the system can absorb. As a result, food bypasses a large part of the stomach and most of the small intestine. This procedure may be ideal when you need to revise a failed sleeve or other failed bariatric procedure. 13-15
An altered digestive process for dramatic weight loss: Mini gastric bypass
The body’s normal digestive process is altered, restricting food intake and the number of calories the body absorbs. As a result, food bypasses a large part of the stomach, and most of the small intestine. This procedure is used around the world and has increased considerably in the last decade due to the technical difficulty of the conventional gastric bypass, even for experienced surgeons. 13-15
Mini gastric bypass vs. standard gastric bypass
At Obesity Control Center, our expert surgeons perform both standard and mini gastric bypass surgeries. The primary difference between the two is that mini gastric bypass is a quicker, less technical process that only reroutes the small intestine at a single point. 13-15
The right surgery – for you.
Still, mini bypass is not the best option for everyone. We will evaluate you carefully to determine which procedure will meet your needs and goals best. If you are a better candidate for standard gastric bypass, rest assured the surgeons at Obesity Control Center have also perfected this technique to ensure our patients experience optimal results with a minimal complication rate. 13-15
Advances in bariatric surgery at OCC
Dr. Ortiz and our team of world-class bariatric surgeons have developed the dual long limb metabolic bypass, which is outperforming any bariatric surgery to date. This procedure comprises a substantial number of bariatric surgeries at Obesity Control Center today, so patients can rest assured they are in the best possible hands no matter what procedure is the best option for them. 13-15
Speak with a US-based Coordinator from our surgical center today.
Call or contact us via our online contact form. We can guide you through every step of the process and get you on the right track to a happy and healthy life!
Patient Success Stories
Cameron
-185 lbs
I can never express enough how grateful I am for what OCC has done for me.
I was considered overweight and obese my entire life. At 35, after years of failed diets, therapy, and research, I realized that the only way for me to permanently loose weight was to have bariatric surgery. My doctors in the US wrote letters to my insurance, emphasizing the medical necessity of this surgery. But after a year of back and forth, my insurance turned me down. I thought all hope was lost until I heard about OCC from a friend. I’d never even heard of traveling to Mexico for surgery, but, after researching and talking to the OCC, I was all in. And I’m so glad I made this choice. The amount of guidance and care I received from OCC from the moment I called for information has been better than anything I’ve experienced in the US. The procedure was smooth—I felt safe and in good hands the entire time.
View all Before & After Patient Stories
Tricia
-100 lbs
It’s highly reputable reputation and accreditation’s.
I was sick of being sick. I suffered from type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. I have two small children and was sick of being tired all the time and sitting on the sidelines. I decided I didn’t want to live this life anymore. That’s when I reached out to OCC and it was the best decision I ever made. I am now actually living and making each day count.
View all Before & After Patient Stories
Celeste
-203 lbs
I needed a drastic change.
I had tried losing weight and failed on my own so many times before that I just knew I could no longer do it on my own. My health insurance benefits excluded weight loss surgery and I felt so defeated! I didn’t want the insurance companies to decide what I knew I needed. It wasn’t until I started searching for cash-pay costs that I ran across the OCC website (and several others). I looked at their testimonials and tried to find some of those people – I reached out to them on social media to get their thoughts. I started doing research on Dr. Ortiz. I researched the accreditations and certifications that the OCC held and was liking what I was learning. I looked into other facilities and Dr.’s, but none of them seemed to have as high of standards as OCC. After doing research and talking with others about their experiences both at OCC and at other facilities, I decided that it was time to get more information directly from OCC.
View all Before & After Patient Stories
Charlie
-155 lbs
OCC, you gave me not only my life back, you gave me my smile back…
I have struggled with my weight my entire life. In the long run it became not only emotionally, but also medically necessary to make a drastic change in my life. I was recommended by a family friend who is also a Nurse Practitioner and she recommended me to OCC, specifically Dr. Ortiz. Of course I was apprehensive of the thought of having surgery in Mexico but she reassured me that she took care of several of OCC’s patients right here in my hometown and that if anyone knew exactly what they were doing it was OCC. I researched OCC as well as others, both domestic and foreign, and came to the conclusion that OCC was without a doubt one of the best, if not the best. From the first call to the coordinator to the moment I left Tijuana headed back home, I was treated with support, kindness, compassion, and empathy.
View all Before & After Patient Stories
Jamie
-73 lbs
I did quite a bit of reading and felt OCC was the best choice and it was!
I have struggled with my weight for all of my adult years, my highest weight was 245 at one time. I maintained my weight loss around 165 lbs until about 2 years ago when my band started not holding any fluid and realized it had a leak. I started regaining weight and put on about 50 lbs. My experience with OCC and Dr. Ortiz was wonderful! I decided to revise to the gastric sleeve and everything was great, we stayed at a very nice hotel , and the staff there was just as good. I had excellent medical care from the start. I would absolutely recommend OCC to anyone who is struggling with their weight. I am now down about 80 lbs and have never felt better. I work out with a personal trainer and run 5ks!
View all Before & After Patient Stories
Elyse
-65 lbs
Safety, professionalism, knowledge, accreditation.
I was tired of being fat, and for most 215 isn’t that bad. But for me I felt disgusting. I’m use to bring the pretty sexy one. Not the chubby funny girl. I didn’t know that out of country surgery was even a possibility. I had a friend have it done in Mexico and I was like I want that. I booked with another company and after research I found that they had a death and complications. They also used drain tubes which did not sound like fun! Then I found OCC and saw all the great reviews, no deaths and no drain tubes. I was so nervous yet excited. My experience was nothing but positive. I even came home early I was doing so well. I have tried every diet, I exercised regularly and I just kept gaining. This tool has helped me so much. I still continue to eat healthy and exercise regularly but now I actually see results or my hard work. This isn’t the easy way out you still have to put the work in.
View all Before & After Patient StoriesWith over a quarter of a century of experience and 26,000 successful procedures with an industry-leading safety rating, OCC is a premier destination for safe and effective mini-gastric bypass and other bariatric surgery.
Mini gastric bypass pre-surgery FAQS
Are you a candidate for mini-gastric bypass?
How do I prepare for gastric surgery?
What is the pre-surgery diet?
Will I need vitamins?
What are the advantages of mini-gastric bypass?
What’s the price for a mini-gastric bypass?
What is included in the cost?
Why is gastric surgery referred to as “metabolic surgery?”
Are you a candidate for mini-gastric bypass?
If you are considering any type of bariatric (weight loss) surgery, then you likely already know the frustration of not being able to lose weight on your own. You are a good candidate for this surgery if:
- Your weight gain overwhelms you.
- You’ve tried countless other diets, only to watch your weight quickly return to previous levels or increase even higher
- You lack the physical ability or willpower to implement a rigorous exercise regimen
- You are concerned that obesity is posing a serious risk to your health
- You’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, insulin resistance or other metabolic problems
- Your inability to lose weight causes depression or feelings of hopelessness
How do I prepare for gastric surgery?
Like in life, mental, physical, and nutritional preparation is essential for a successful outcome. Additional requirements may be suggested depending on your specific case.
Preoperative weight loss will detox your liver, making it lighter, and resulting in a quicker, safer weight loss procedure with less impact on your overall status. Even 5% of total body weight loss will result in a dramatic improvement in your ability to respond to surgical stress. 35-37
What is the pre-surgery diet?
Nourishment at a cellular level will require you to compensate for the deficiencies you have accumulated over the years and the deficiencies expected after weight loss surgery. Research has proven that the only way to replenish these deficiencies is through Bariatric Supplementation.
Will I need vitamins?
This means that a Bariatric Multivitamin and a Bariatric Protein source prior to the Gastric Bypass will enormously increase your safety profile and a successful outcome. Mental preparation includes looking at the way we relate to food and being proactive about a healthier diet and lifestyle.
What are the advantages of mini-gastric bypass?
This procedure represents a significant reduction of technical complexity, shorter operative time, and a potential reduction in morbidity and mortality. Studies show a benefit of 75% excess weight loss and resolution of comorbidities equivalent to those observed after conventional gastric bypass.
What’s the price for a mini-gastric bypass?
Depending on the type of gastric surgery requested, prices can vary from around $5,500 to $9,000 dollars. We suggest you read our online testimonials, talk to other patients, and don’t be fooled by looking for the lowest price. The savings by coming to OCC is around 50% of the cost in the US. Your health and wellbeing matter – and when under our care, you can be confident that the most stringent patient health and safety protocols are in place, from start to finish.
What is included in the cost?
- 1 night stay at our world-renowned hospital
- 1 night stay at a local 5-star hotel
- Luxury transportation to and from the San Diego International Airport
- Team of three board-certified surgeons, including two anesthesiologists
- All operating room costs and surgical materials
- All pre-op evaluations and follow-up care
Why is gastric surgery referred to as “metabolic surgery?”
In the fight against obesity and excess weight, the only proven method that outlasts common methods is bariatric surgery. Recent advances in the field have proven that these weight loss surgeries not only dramatically influence the excess weight a patient carries, but the surgery also balances the metabolism, affecting insulin and blood sugar levels. It is not completely understood how exactly surgery regulates insulin, blood sugar, diabetes, cholesterol, lipids, and affects sleep disorders (sleep apnea), but it is a fact that it has a direct impact and controls, and many patients, after surgery, are cured of these life-threatening diseases.
Safety FAQ
Is gastric surgery safe to undergo in Mexico?
How safe is gastric bypass surgery?
Is gastric bypass surgery painful?
What is different about the surgical approach at OCC?
Will I have bloating or gas pains after the procedure?
What are the complications?
What is the mortality rate for gastric bypass surgery?
Is gastric surgery safe to undergo in Mexico?
At OCC, we have over 26,000 patients that have traveled to our center with no major security incidents to report. We are at the heart of the commercial district, less than half a mile away from the international border to the U.S.A. Tijuana is now the second busiest medical destination for the traveling patient. At OCC, we are glad to be an essential part of this great reputation. 13-15
How safe is gastric bypass surgery?
OCC’s complication rate is one of the lowest in the published literature. 13-15
Is gastric bypass surgery painful?
The OCC Difference means we perform all gastric procedures laparoscopically, which is minimally invasive. Laparoscopic surgery usually results in a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, smaller scars, and less pain than open procedures. It is common for patients to regain weight. The trick is to perform a procedure that limits the amount of weight that can be regained. This is done by design. At OCC, our procedures are performed to be a safe, effective, and preferably permanent weight loss solution. Weight loss has to do with a structured bariatric program – it’s not just another surgery! 13-15
What is different about the surgical approach at OCC?
Our process at OCC includes a gentle but short procedure that results in a quick recovery. The OCC difference includes specialized pencil-thin instruments and bladeless abdominal wall trocars. Localized abdominal wall blocking agents that diminish the cascade of mediators that cause pain and inflammation. 70
Will I have bloating or gas pains after the procedure?
We use half the amount of gas pressure, where others use 20mm/hg, we use 10 to 12mm/hg. This results in less of the dreaded “gas pressure pains” associated with laparoscopic surgery. Our operating time is a fraction of the typical time reported in the literature. We’re in no hurry, we have simply streamlined the process. Less time under anesthesia means quicker recovery times.
What are the complications?
Complications include marginal ulcers, bowel obstruction, malnutrition, and gastroesophageal reflux, including biliary reflux. Surgical complications after gastric bypass surgery, though rare, can be divided into intra-operative, post-operative, and late complications. The former generally is of particular concern for most patients because it can affect the patient’s overall quality of life.
What is the mortality rate for gastric bypass surgery?
We can say very proudly that our mortality rate is zero percent. We value health and wellbeing and will never perform a procedure on someone who is either not well prepared medically or has a risk higher than acceptable.
Post-surgery FAQ
Can you have a normal life after surgery?
How long will it take me to feel normal?
What happens if I overeat?
How much weight can I lose?
Can you drink alcohol after gastric bypass?
How much can my stomach hold after gastric bypass?
How long does it take for your stomach to heal after gastric bypass?
Can you have a normal life after surgery?
Most patients require several months to fully adapt to the changes achieved with mini-gastric bypass surgery. Our nutritionist creates a nutritional regimen that is easy to follow and will allow you to move through the phases of changed eating habits. You will start with a totally liquid diet for a few days, then move on to liquids including the Bariatric Protein Meals. Slowly, you will be able to move on to soft foods and, finally, to a normal, healthy diet. 13-15
How long will it take me to feel normal?
Daily activities and exercise should also progress at the same rate, but the surprising fact is that most patients recover much quicker than they thought. In fact, energy levels are usually higher than expected when the nutrition plan includes the Bariatric Multivitamin and Bariatric Protein Shakes recommended by our team of experts. 42, 43
What happens if I overeat?
The only thing you can’t do after surgery is overeating without having severe discomfort, nausea, even vomiting. Ideally, most patients will return to three normal meals a day and three snacks between meals. 42, 43
How much weight can I lose?
Studies conducted on gastric bypass patients show that, after one year, weight loss can average more than 75% of excess body weight. One report found that gastric bypass surgery reduced the total number of serious health problems of participating patients by 96%. 42, 43
Can you drink alcohol after gastric bypass?
Your body will heal faster, and you will lose more weight, by avoiding alcohol for the first four months after your mini gastric bypass surgery. 42, 43
How much can my stomach hold after gastric bypass?
Your stomach will hold about one-third of the original volume. Eating a third of your typical meal will induce rapid, sustained weight loss and better overall health.
How long does it take for your stomach to heal after gastric bypass?
Recent studies show that the inner lining of the stomach can start healing in as little as 6 hours! It is important to follow all the guidelines that we teach our patients prior to surgery to ensure an uneventful recovery and a good outcome.
Schedule your mini-gastric bypass in Tijuana, Mexico today
Call or email us here to start your weight loss journey. Contact one of our US-based coordinators and learn how you can get the life you’ve always wanted with the help of the Obesity Control Center.
References
- Parmar, C.D., Mahawar, K.K. One Anastomosis (Mini) Gastric Bypass Is Now an Established Bariatric Procedure: a Systematic Review of 12,807 Patients. Obes Surg. 28, 2956–2967
Musella M, Susa A, Greco F, et al. - The laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass: the Italian experience: outcomes from 974 consecutive cases in a multicenter review. Surg Endosc. 2014;28(1):156–63.
- De Luca M, Tie T, Geraldine O, et al. Mini gastric bypass-one anastomosis gastric bypass (MGB-OAGB)-IFSO position statement. Obes Surg. 2018:3182–3.
Click here to see how OCC compares to other facilities in terms of surgical rates, infection rates, mortality rates, and more.
