Malabsorption question

Once we are 2,3 or more years out, just how much do we mal-absorb, if anything? If our bodies find a way to absorb more and eat more, why are some of us still not able to have certain things (usually greasy or proteins)? My friend, soon to have WLS asked me and I did not have the answer. She wondered whether we malabsorb for life, which would give us a little edge at keeping the weight off.

My understanding is that we always malabsorb because of all the intestines and the stomach that's bypassed and that is why we have to be able to commit to taking vitamin supplements FOR LIFE. Jan

I was told that after 18-24 months the malabsorbtion is no longer a factor. We are able to absorb all of what we eat and that's when some have problems with bigger portions or weight gain. I believe we can't eat certain things because they bother our new plumbing - no matter how far out we are. My doctor told me the malabsorbtion is such a small factor we can't count on it for weight loss and to count everything I ate from day one - when I was keeping track. The small amount we don't aborb to him isn't enough to help either way with weight gain or loss. It's portion control, what kinds of foods we eat and how much we burn off more than how much we malabsorb. At 5 years out I have to be more diligent about how much I eat or I'll regain - but it's been that way for me from the beginning. I've learned to take in the same as I burn off daily to maintain.

Hi Myrtle. I too am 5 years out. I am doing some personal research. Can you email me and provide your email? I would like to ask you some questions regarding your WLS experience/success/self-image/perception from others, etc. Feel free to reply that you are not interested in sharing...no hurt feelings...I get my love at home. thanks. Karen PS: sorry to the original poster for the hijack!

I am 5 years out and just go my labs back. Lots of very low or very high results. I am not sure if these are result of WLS or a function of getting older...I plan to speak with my PCP today. If your question is with regard to food tolerances, etc. I am certain that I could likely eat 4 pcs. of pizza (not as quickly as I used to hoping nobody would notice), a large pc. of chocolate cake, and wa**** down with a lg. glass of liquid. In other words, I could easily go back to my pre-op behaviors, but have worked very hard to replace those negative behaviors with positive lifestyle changes. Today I am 8# from my personal goal (I think my surgery was in the day before surgeon's gave out goals, I never got one). It is all a matter of making changes that work for you and you can stick with for the rest of your life (in other words there is no secret/diet that will keep you successful...only commitment to a comfortable, reasonable and healthy lifestyle). Karen

I don't know the real "scientific" answer, but this is my approach. I assume I am absorbing all my calories & fats & that if I eat too much I will gain and lose my good health. I do my best to eat as halthfully as possible, altho I occasionally fall short and have to readjust myself. On the other hand I also assume I will not absorb all the essential vitamins and minerals I need so I religiously take my supplements and will for life. I realize it is not logical, It does not make sense that I will absorb one & not the other, but it helps keep me on the right path.

Based on the other answers you got, maybe you were asking about malabsorbing CALORIES?? I didn't think we malabsorbed calories, just certain nutrients that are replaced in the vitamins we take. Guess I was just slow on the uptake! Jan

RNY's do malabsrb calories to an extent. not as much as a DS tho. I know for a fact I malabsorb fats, If I eat anything a little fatty, it goes right thru in the Bathroom, with greasy fat layer floating in the toilet. I know, TMI ! !!

I'd eat more fat if I thought it would move ANYTHING right through!! Jan

My surgeon says at 2 years we absorb all the calories we eat, however we will never absorb all the vitamins/minerals/calcium. His explanation is that the vitamins/minerals/calcium no longer go through the part of the stomach that was disected, which is where they were absorbed. Thus the need to always take vitamins & calcium. The advantage we have as RNY patients is that our pouch is much smaller than our old stomachs so we will never be able to eat as much as a post-op. I'm guessing the greasy/protein thing is more about not having all the stomach acids we use to have. The part of the stomach that was disected must have helped to digest the grease before it hit the intestines? Whatever the cause I know I can't do fried anymore. Protein isn't a problem for me as long as it's not fried.