Question:
Has anyone suffered from kidney disorders following WLS?

My primary physician has forbidden me from following the Atkins diet, as she says it is very damaging to the kidneys. This concerns me, as Post-WLS diet closely resembles Atkins (no sugar, high protein, low carbs). I am pre-op and haven't had a chance to discuss this with my surgeon. Has anyone else suffered from kidney problems, and/or has anyone discussed this risk with your surgeon?    — Kelly B. (posted on December 26, 2002)

December 26, 2002
Good question! From comments made by my surgeon and my knowledge of the diet the HUGE difference to following the Atkins diet with a full fledged stomach and following a high protein diet with a tiny tiny pouch is night and day. Plus the Atkins diet lacks in water according to my surgeon. The types of protein that a lot of Atkins diet people eat is extremely high fat - steak, bacon, full fat cheese, etc. etc. It seems some people see it as a license to eat the worst possible protein they can find. Because it tends to be high in fat your galbladder and liver (or liver only if glabladder is gone) has to process all of that fat and it's hard on the organs when it goes on long enough.<p>The protein you will likely tolerate after WLS is going to be lean protein. Most people seem to have problems with steak as it just doesn't chew up enough. You are looking at things like chicken, turkey, low fat cottage cheese, cheese, eggs, tofu etc. In addition, you will be eating such small quantities that any fat or cholesterol will be so minimal it won't be a big burden on your liver.<p>Most people end up having to have their galbladders removed within 1 year of WLS as it goes wacko from processing all the fat that your body is losing. Sounds strange but that's exactly what happened to me after 7 months and 130 lbs lost on just a normal diet (1200 calories and exercise), not even from WLS. The surgeon commented it was from the rapid weight loss and that's still slower than many have from WLS.<p>My understanding is you really can't compare the two. One is lots of protein and typically high fat and the other is minimal protein and typically low fat because your intestines can't handle and process the fat well. Make sure you discuss with your surgeon so that you are comfortable with the after surgery program as it will be critical you follow your particular doctor's program.
   — zoedogcbr

December 26, 2002
I am 13 months post-op, down 150 pounds. I have lost about 50% of my kidney function. My PCP believes that this primarily the result of severe dehydration post-op when I had a stricture and ulcer and could not keep anything down. My creatinin levels have fallen a little and my rheumatologist is hopeful that I will recover more function by the time I go back for another check up. Keep your fluid levels up and report any dehydration symptoms to your surgeon right away. Get scoped if you have any problems. The hassle and expense of endoscopy is cheap insurance to make sure your kidneys get the fluid they need to cope with whatever diet you are on. Godd luck and I wish you a sppedy recovery from your future surgery.
   — Julia O.

December 26, 2002
One of the reasons we drink so much water is to flush the kidneys out. An all protein diet is hard on the kidneys or be sure to drink the water.
   — barbara A.

December 26, 2002
I tried atkins as a last diet before WLS and my pcp got concerned my kidney functions came back abnormal. Had RNY, all tests since then were fine. VOLUME is so much less after wls our bodies appear to have a easier time of handling things. You can always eat a bit of carbs a day, so dont worry but ask your surgeon.
   — bob-haller