unclear on macronutrient malabsorption Xpost RNY

I would like it if the vets would start a discussion on macronutrient malabsorption.  I learned from the vets about the villi growing back over time and I understand that micronutrient malabsorption is for life because of the bypass.  Thus we take vitamins/minerals

 

I am 15 mths post op RNY.  What I am unclear on is how much malabsorption of fat and protein continues for life.  Is there an estimated percentage. I think I remember that carbs are fully used.  I also remember vets speaking about oil slick in toilet, so some fat malabsorption must continue. 

Thank you and you are much appreciated  !!  I just want a better understanding of how my body works now and I cant understand the technical stuff to research it lol

I'm not sure if you'll find any good studies on it. All I recall from a registered dietitian that I have a lot of respect for, said that RNYrs absorb all the protein they eat at about 18-24 months post-op. She never said if that applies to all previous malabsorption such as fats and oils--I would imagine so. You're right about the micronutrients for RNY and DS, we will always have a good deal of that. You can't make parts of your small intestine do what they weren't designed to do. We can never replace our duodenum function since it's by-passed, or mostly so, and that's where most of the micronutrients are absorbed. 

--gina

I'm 3+ years out and getting ready to have my labs done. That should tell me how I am doing with protein. I get way more than most, probably 130-150g a day. So far it has taken that to keep me at the bottom of normal. I think the oil slicks are DS folks. I think I am absorbing at least some of the fat but maybe not normal. I have my 3 yr dr appt in January and will try to remember to ask. Good question.

My understanding is that initially the drs thought that we would malabsorb nutrients and calories for life with RNY.  However, with time, as you said most believe the villi grow back and we will probably absorb most calories apprx 12-18 months post surgery but due to intestines bypassed, we will malabsorb nutrients for life.   Like Price, I am almost 3 years out and protein on labs is on lower end even though I eat pretty high protein.  This makes me think that we continue to not absorb all the protein we eat.  I am unsure about fat though.  Personally, I feel as if every calorie in at this point is being absorbed but not the nutrients which is also why Maintenance is harder the further we get out from surgery. Also, surgeons in my group deny that the villi grow back so not everyone agrees on this.  My surgical group as reported a lot of information that is just not accurate though.

Good luck....sounds like you are doing great!

 

~~Jennifer

The oil slicks I find don't happen anymore to me, being 5+ years out.  I can tell if I've had too much fat though because my bowels are quite soft.  I still don't tolerate fat much in my pouch, so greasy chicken etc doesn't always agree with me.  

I need to get my labs done to see where my protein is at.  I eat high protein, and an occasional protein drink.  I'm usually at the low end of the protein scale, so we'll see.  

Yes, macronutrient malabsorption happens forever - wi**** did with carbs!!!

 

I am almost 3 years out from RNY and I still have symptoms. I still suffer from dumps if I have more than a couple bites of sugar or eat greasy or high carb foods. I have gained about 7 lbs from my lowest weight and I still eat small portions or I hurt myself. I still find foods that do not agree with me. I think it may be different for different people. Im not sure how much I absorb since I wont have them taken until Feb.