Question:
30 yrs out from Jejunal Ileal bypass / problems / what now?

Approximatly 30 years ago I had Jejunal Ileal bypass surgery, with a weight loss of 170 lbs (and kept it off). But about 18 mo. ago I was diagnosed with a severe Bacterial overgrowth. Have done the Metronidazole route but am now risistant. I have been told (by 2 Drs.) I could be on antiobitics for the rest of my life (highly not recommended). I have consulted a Bariatic Surgeon he wants me to switch to the the RNY bypass surgery, has anyone had this done? Help!    — JOAN100 (posted on November 27, 2007)

November 27, 2007
My wife had the surgery you mentioned in 1980. She consulted my RNY surgeon a few months ago about a revision. She had it done. She was having severe problems, and the surgeon told her that either most people who had this surgery were dead, or they've had revisions. My wife had the revision in mid July 2007. It won't be an easy one. One part (sectioning of the new pouch area) is done laproscopically, while the hooking up to the intestines is open surgery. You basically have not had your small intestines working for these many years. RNY surgery hooks these back up, and food has to work it's way through the atrophied small intestines. My surgeon shook his head when he arrived to see me after surgery. He said she only had about 12" of intestines for food absorbtion. He also said he removed about 3 pounds of adhesions. My wife took several antibacterial drugs (primarily flagyl) for all the past 27 years, drank a lot of water, took good vitamins, and watched what she ate. That is why she survived this long. The surgery you menioned is not usually done today. My wife had this surgery done in Norwalk, CA, in 1980. It is a malobsorpbtion type of surger, and offers no restriction on food. There have been many problems with this surgery over the years--the primary reason doctors today don't do this surgery--the RNY is much more predictable.
   — Dave Chambers

November 27, 2007
The only medical advise is get a second opinion. I think it would be comforting to have more than one surgan tell you the same thing. Good luck and I will send a little prayer up for you.
   — Casey P.

November 27, 2007
Hi Joan! Have you seen an infectious disease doctor? If it was me, that is what I would do. I would actually probably see 2 of them to get 2 opinions and then decide. I am not connecting the infection to the J/I bypass though. Do the docs think the J/I bypass has something to do with the infection? Or are you dealing with 2 separate issues? If you have a severe bacterial overgrowth that is resistant to Flagyl, I would be nervous about having such a serious surgery that involved opening the gut. ( If you live near Cincinnati a wonderful Infectious Disease Dr is Dr. Blatt. ) Feel free to message me if you want to chat. I wish you the very best! Go slow and get LOTS of info before you act.
   — MAG

November 29, 2007
Yes, the RnY is routinely done now for weight control. If you are on this website, go to the RnY forum or the forum from your own state, or even better check out the DS surgery. Just read all you can. Is the RnY the only one recommended?. I did have it done in 2005 and have gained a good portion of my weight back. I wouldn't do it again and that is why I am seeking a revision to a duodenal switch. Check duodenalswitch.com. Good luck.
   — KRWaters

January 8, 2010
I had th JIB 36 years ago. I alternate antibiotics. cipro, bactrim, tetracycline and flagyl. My bacterial overgrowth was bad at one time. Now it never bothers me. Dave
   — creighton