Help for all our new members and ones still deciding...

I happened on these sites for some great description of the different procedures (with pictures).. I'm not pitching any particular procedure (that is your choice) all of these sites you need to read for yourself, gather all the information you can then once you decide on a surgeon discuss these with him/her..What is right for one may not be right for you. Read all the information and date collected and research the issues on each surgery procedure.. Good luck in your quest for knowledge on the best procedure for you.. The below paragraphs are from the first website listed below please visit all these informational sites.. I though I would pass these on to all the ones really confused by now.. There are many procedures available for weight loss. Most can be categorized as restrictive (vertical-banded gastroplasty, roux-en-y gastric bypass, laparoscopic roux-en-y-gastric bypass) or malabsorbtive (biliopancreatic diversion, distal roux-en-y gastric bypass, jejuno-ileal bypass). We do not perform the malabsorbtive procedures as we have not found convincing evidence that they provide a more consistent weight loss or improved quality of life. We have converted many of these procedures to the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass because of severe metabolic complications and malnutrition. There are many other procedures that are touted as "unique". We are only presenting common procedures with known tract records and definable statistics. We advise you to use common sense in your educational process. If it sounds too good to be true, it generally is. Malabsorbtive Procedures Common to all malabsorbtive procedures is the apparent shortening of the intestine in contact with food. Although seemingly logical at first, making the system less efficient in its absorption of nutrients requires continued overindulgence by the patient for survival. The "eat to live" configuration can be quite harmful if adequate volumes of food were not available or if you were to contract a simple case of the "flu". Because of the shortened intestinal tract, hospitalization may be required and therefore travel to certain countries that do not have the medical facilities here in the United States should be discouraged. Iron, calcium, protein, vitamin and mineral deficiencies mandate continued supplements and occasional intravenous therapy. Distal Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass This operation is often confused with the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. It is however, much closer to the biliopancreatic diversion. This operation attempts to combine a gastric restrictive and malabsorbtive procedure. A small gastric pouch is formed and over 50% of the small intestine is bypassed. This lends itself to a higher degree of protein-calorie malabsorbtion and marginal ulcer formation than the biliopancreatic diversion. Fortunately, in this case, the stomach pouch will continue to increase in size as long as the patient is encouraged to overeat. Jejuno-ileal Bypass This operation is of historic importance. This prototypical malabsorbtive procedure was performed from 1963 to 1980. The amount of small intestine in contact with food was severely shortened. Although this procedure was quite simple to perform, the metabolic complications were devastating. Protein-calorie malabsorbtion, diarrhea, vitamin and mineral deficiencies were common. In addition, kidney failure has been seen in patients ten years out from surgery. It is because of this failed procedure, that many physicians and insurance companies look down on all bariatric procedures. Biliopancreatic Diversion This operation was described in Italy in 1973 and is still being performed in a few centers. This operation consists of removing part of the stomach, leaving a 200-250 cc pouch and shortening the small intestinal food conduit to 250 cm. There is a 50 cm common channel in which bile and pancreatic digestive juices mix prior to entering the colon. Weight loss occurs as a result of "dumping" most of the calories and nutrients into the colon where they are not absorbed. There is need for precise control of types of food ingested and an emphasis on protein load. Most patients require life-long nutritional supplements which can be quite expensive. Blood tests are required every few months. Weight loss has not been shown to be superior to the restrictive operations. The social aspects of intestinal gas, diarrhea and odor can be devastating. Most insurance companies will not authorize this type of procedure because of the high complication rates and metabolic problems following this procedure. Overview http://www.valleysurgical.com/MorbidObesity/Procedures/index.htm Other Procedures http://www.valleysurgical.com/MorbidObesity/Procedures/other.htm#Jejuno Gastric Bypass Types http://www.angelfire.com/ok3/vbowen8/index.html The Mini-Gastric Bypass http://clos.net/ Academy of Bariatric Surgeons - Suggested Links <~~Great links here..... http://www.obesityhelp.com/abs/links.htm

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