Question:
DOES ANYONE KNOW , IF YOU HAVE CROHNS DISEASE CAN YOU STILL HAVE THIS SURGERY?

   — ROBIN T. (posted on August 25, 2002)

August 26, 2002
Robin, this question comes up from time to time and I have yet to see a good answer. First, let me say I am sorry to hear that you have such a rotten disease. Crohns sucks worse than about anything I can think of. My husband has Crohns, so I know all about it, but I don't know about Crohns and WLS surgery. Based on my knowledge of Crohns, I do have some recomendations. Be sure to talk to your GI, or whoever treats your Crohns first. As you know, Crohns can attack anywhere in the digestive system and it is really important to know where your active Crohns is. Your GI will need to be as involved in your decision as your WLS Surgeon. I think it will depend on how active your Crohns is and where it is active. Also, have you had surgery for your Crohns? Are you likely to need it in the future? I'd really want to know the answers to these questions, because often Crohns patients need surgery to remove portions of the intestine. If you also have an RNY for example, part of your intestine will be bypassed. How much instestine can you afford to loose? These are the questions that will need to be addressed. I wouldn't recomend moving forward with WLS unless you have a VERY experienced Dr. who really understands Crohns (I know that can be hard to find.) If you want to chat more about WLS or Crohns, please feel free to email me at [email protected].
   — Amber L.