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MagDI vs Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a long-established bariatric procedure with extensive long-term data. MagDI uses magnetic compression to create a duodeno-ileal anastomosis. The two procedures differ in anatomy, mechanism, and evidence base.

Written by MagnaMetabolic Editorial Team Medically reviewed by Ariel Ortiz, MD — Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery Last reviewed: June 7, 2026

Anatomy and mechanism

  • RYGB: creates a small gastric pouch and a Roux limb, bypassing most of the stomach and a portion of the small intestine; relies on stapled and sutured anastomoses.
  • MagDI: creates a duodeno-ileal anastomosis using magnetic compression; no permanent foreign material at the anastomosis site.

Evidence base

  • RYGB is supported by decades of clinical data including long-term studies on weight loss, diabetes remission, and complications.
  • MagDI has FDA De Novo (2024) and 510(k) clearances, with growing but earlier-stage peer-reviewed publications and ongoing trials.

Choosing between options

Comparative head-to-head trials remain limited. Decisions should be individualized based on clinical factors, prior surgical history, comorbidities, and patient preferences in consultation with a qualified surgical team.

Evidence

Scientific References

Selected primary sources informing this page. External links open in a new tab; we do not control or endorse third-party content.

  1. ASMBSAmerican Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and IFSO 2022 indications for metabolic and bariatric surgery.
  2. Obesity SurgeryGagner M, et al. First-in-human experience of magnetic duodeno-ileostomy for the treatment of obesity and metabolic disease. Obesity Surgery.
  3. Surgical EndoscopyMulti-center early outcomes of sleeve gastrectomy combined with magnetic duodeno-ileostomy (Sleeve Plus MagDI). Surgical Endoscopy.
  4. FDAU.S. FDA — De Novo Classification DEN240013: MagDI System (Magnetic Duodeno-Ileostomy), De Novo marketing authorization granted July 2, 2024.
  5. FDAU.S. FDA — 510(k) Premarket Notification K242086: MagDI System (second generation), clearance granted October 24, 2024.
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