Question:
Does RNY always involve a malabsorptive component?
I went to an informational session at my surgeon-to-be's office and was described a laparoscopic RNY procedure, that leaves you with a 1/2 ounce pouch (along the greater curvature of the stomach) and NO malabsortption. Is this possible? Doesnt RNY always have some malabsorption (contributing to greater and sustained weight loss). Was the nurse wrong? — Dana D. (posted on June 22, 1999)
June 22, 1999
The VBG creates the same pouch, but does not bypass any intestines, with no
malabsorption. Maybe she was describing the vertical gastric banding. The
RNY has to bypass intestine. The RNY was used long before obesity surgery
for regular stomach ulcer or stomach cancer operations. Maybe she was
indicating that you would be having a proximal RNY which bypasses much less
intestine and therefore has less malabsorption.
— Deborah L.
June 22, 1999
She was definately describing the RNY. She just insisted that there was no
malabsorption involved. It would be very similar to a VBG if there isnt
any malabsorption involved. An I asked the question several times, in
diffrent ways. (ie how much of what I eat will be absorbed, and how much
malabsorption will there be etc.) each time she said that the weight loss
is a result of "restriction" and not malabsorption. (As if
malabsorption at ANY level is bad).
The funny thing is that she said that post op I will be on B-12 shots
(sublingual or tabs aren't recomended). I sat there thinking if there is
NO malabsorption why the B-12 injections? Maybe they just bypass a very
very short portion of the small intestine? I don't know if I want
that..(would be too close to what a VBG is...but not really a VBG).
— Dana D.
June 23, 1999
what was described to you was a stomach stapling VBG, Not an Roux en Y.
(Roux was the name of the doctor who initiated the procedure). the Y part
refers to a y-shaped "limb" that is fashioned to bypass your
stomach and connect it to your small intestine (bypassing a few feet of
intestine). THAT is malabsortive. RNY always includes malabsorption: that's
the point!!! It comes in at least two flavors: proximal (near) and distal
(far) depending on circumstances, patient's health and doctor's procedures.
The longer the limb, the greater the weight loss but the greater the danger
of malnutrition... it's a balancing act and requires a lot of converstation
with your prospective surgeon.
Good luck
Susan
[email protected]
— Susan C.
June 27, 1999
YES!! She was wrong. The whole point of the by-pass is to have
mal-absorption. The more intestines by-passed, the more mal-absorption
there is. If you by-pas any part of the intestinal system, YOU WILL HAVE
MAL-ABSORPTION to some degree.
— [Anonymous]
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