Hypertrophy/Regeneration

I was wondering if anyone's doctor has addressed this topic with them. Basically, this has to do with the body's ability to adapt to having had WLS by adjusting to having been altered. It's a common theory...we don't get the protein, vitamins and even calories that we need and the intestine responds over time by regrowing in length and increasing the number of villi in order to protect itself from starving. This can cause weight regain. One woman who had RNY on one of my lists had a revision and it was proven by her surgeon in the surgical reports that her intestine had grown quite a bit in length since her first surgery. It's something that I have read about here and there, but the last time I was in my surgeon's office, I completely forgot to ask him about it (though I will at my appointment in a couple weeks). Anyway...just the idea hanging over my head provides motivation for me to make and drink another protein shake. If we can get the protein and vitamins in, maybe in turn, our bodies won't be lacking so much and will not be so quick to make adjustments. Chele

Hey hi Chele!!! Could you please explain that in plain englisht. I didn't get one idea of what you said Tecnical medical English is a nightmare!!! Alex

Hi Alex... This refers to the idea that our bodies try to save us from starving...or let's say, they make adjustments to maximize or increase nutrients... Wait...I don't know how to explain this. Our intestines have been bypassed and we malabsorb nutrients and protein. In order for us to survive (or stay healthy), the body regrows intestine so that we may be able to absorb nutrients again. So, let's say your intestine was bypassed 150cm (this would be my case, actually)...the body can grow and lengthen the remaining intestine in order to "adjust" to the lack of nutrients we now receive due to the bypass. Villi...the little hairlike projections/tissue inside the intestine that absorb nutrients...supposedly, they can increase in number also. I hope this helps! Chele

I'm surprised no one has any comments! I'll wait to ask my doc. Chele