Question:
My Dr. says that I will not have much malsorption

My Dr. says that he will try to do the procedure in such a way that there is very little malsorption. What does this mean as far as weight loss? I am concerned that I will not lose any weight this way. Has anyone else had this type of surgery done?    — Jennifer H. (posted on March 24, 2003)

March 24, 2003
I am no surgeon, but I feel your doctor is taking a very conservative approach. Perhaps you have a history of anemia or other deficiencies? I don't know. Generally speaking, the more bypassed, the more malabsorption you create to potentially lose more and lose for a longer period of time. This does not come without its dangers though, and it sounds like your doctor might be trying to save you some of those problems. Ask him about it and good luck!!<br> Lap-RNY(distal) 1/13/03 -83lbs & Counting!
   — thumpiez

March 24, 2003
He is probably trying to keep you from having a lot of the problems associated with malabsorbing nutrients. Ask him specifically how many feet of intestine is going to be bypassed. Depending on your BMI, you may not need to have a lot. Effects of malabsorption is my number 1 fear of long term issues so I try to stay on top of things by supplementing and having my levels checked regularly. Good luck and God bless!
   — Kimberly L.

March 24, 2003
I actually think that is a good thing as the less malabsorption, the less likely you will have long term problems like those who have had huge amounts of intestine bypassed may experience in the long term. True, you may not lose as much (but I bet close)as those with huge amounts bypassed, but your doctor will still make a very small pouch so the volume of what you eat will still be the same as what a person with more intestine bypassed would eat. And its still a game of calories in = calories out. I would much prefer your doctors way.
   — Cindy R.

March 24, 2003
I have had 100cm bypassed and my surgeon does not consider that to be malabsorptive. I had surgery on 1/15/03 and have lost 50 pounds so I guess it is working. There is a malabsorption aspect to my surgery but the limited pouch size is really what is doing the trick. What type of surgery are you having?
   — Carol S.

March 24, 2003
I also had a 100cm proximal RNY bypass and my surgeon said it is only something like a 5% malabsorption rate, which is mostly calories. He is quite conservative in his approach, just like a previous poster said. He only recommends one multivitamin daily. I do get my blood drawn every three months to check for deficiencies. I wouldn't worry about not losing, I have lost 98 lbs. in just under 5 months. Hugs, Kim S. Open RNY Nov. 4/02 (-98)
   — Kim S.

March 24, 2003
Not trying to be cynical but considering the fact that the surgeries of "old" where it was only a stomach stapling didn't work and so pretty much have been replaced with the RNY & DS, why would you go back to that with no malabsorption? When you read about the RNY its put out as a two fold procedure - restrictive and malabsorption. I know doctors bypass differing amounts. I've even heard of one doc who only bypasses maybe 6" in my neighboring state but I've also heard that most of his patients have difficulty reaching goal, if they ever do, have an even harder time keeping it off and many have a second surgery to bypass more to enable them to take the rest off and to keep it off. I think some research would be in order before committing your body, time and money to this.
   — Shelly S.