Malabsorption

 I am wondering...I recently read an article on the effects of malabsorption as we are farther and farther out.  I'm quite literally scared.  Am I doing the wrong thing?  Have we all gone nuts??  Help!

It would be easier (and more accurate) to answer this, if we knew what the article said the 'effects of malabsorption' were.  Hard to know if they're accurate or not, without knowing what it says.  Malabsorption with the RnY, from what I understand, is slight and somewhat helpful for some of the initial weightloss, but most the malabsorption of the calories (but not the nutrients) stops about 18 months out.  Weightloss and maintenance are based primarily on learning new eating habits; but supplementation should continue being part of your daily life (see Andrea U's profile on the RnY board).

Just gotta throw it out there . . . . have you checked into the duodenal switch (forum here on OH)?  Know ALL your surgery options before you make a decision that will change the rest of your life.  Think twice, cut once (I know this because I've gone through this THREE times!)

You bring up a good point, so I went back to the page and got the address:

http://gastricbypass.netfirms.com/chrissie.htm

Don't want to scare anyone else...just want others to comment.

It sounds like this person is just basically unhappy. It may have been the wrong surgery for her. I think if you're diligent on your vitamins and blood work and you have a good PCP monitoring you, you should be ok. Yes, we have to take millions of supplements, but we knew this going into surgery. Sure, we malabsorb. That's the whole point of the surgery. Sure there are complications. I had to have a revision 10 weeks ago because I had an ulcer that wouldn't heal due to lack of good blood supply. It happens. I'd have WLS again in a heartbeat. Just my $.02.

Okay I viewed that webpage and read it...

It's not a medical article.... its some lady spouting here say about manutrition. and "stories" she's heard? She may be an RNY recipient but you should really not rely on someone telling stories to make you scared.   Stick with medical articles and facts... Yes it's a malabsorption procedure but at a certain point our bodies do regain some of the absorption... I've heard the same.. 18-24 mons out.

I read this article and it almost made me laugh because its just some lady telling a story.. and based on what? no actual medical evidence.

Also, that's why it's imperative to find a good bariatric program that is going to follow you for life. My doctor pledged that to me.  Don't just find a surgeon who can do it and not offer any follow up care. I'm always surprised at the number of people on the boards who had the surgery done and then are left to do the rest of the work on their own.. you definately need to stay in touch with your dietitian and your program for follow up.. also choose a PCP who supports your choice and has some knowledge of the procedure so she/he can help you if something goes wrong, your labs are off, etc.

Eating right, taking your supps/vits is imperative.

I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one on tv.  But I do not believe malabsorption QUITS at 18 months out.

Yes, our bodies adjust to the malabsorption - things that used to get passed through without much absorption will start being absorbed further down in the intestines.  But malabsorption does NOT end - if it did, we wouldn't need to take supplements for the rest of our lives.

And I don't know about you, but I have read a few too many horror stories about people who didn't take their supplements and are suffering permanent, SERIOUS issues as a result.  I have NO INTENTION of becoming one of those stories.

I'm about 6 1/2 years post op.  I am diligent about taking my vitamins. And I take a handful - more than Park Nicollet recommended.  My PCP nurse just shakes her head during my yearly appts.  Too bad....I just had my yearly labs and they were all great.  I know I still malabsorb because somedays I eat like a bear and my weight stays stable.  If I eat like a bear too much, I gain...go figure eh?  ha!

As others have said, make sure you take your vitamins, do your research and do what makes sense to you.  Don't believe scare tactics...make sure you go to all of your followup appointments for life.  Yearly labs are essential to spot any deficiencies.

Hang in there...all will be well!

Oh thank you all of you!!!  I do feel better.  I so appreciate your input because as you know, this is a HUGE decision and I don't want to be foolish in any way so that I regret anything.  I'm sure you can all say a big AMEN to that!

I will be asking more questions and making more requests of you I'm sure as the day approaches, but hey...I'll feel so safe here.  Thank you all for the support!

Ask any and all questions that you need to hun.. thats why we're here. And believe me, no topic is off the shelf..  We've all asked em and we've all answered them...