Question:
Is it possible to have intestinal health issues (parasites, candida, etc in the part

of the small intestine that has been bypassed because of the lack of food movement through that area? I have had chronic fatique and immune-system problems for the last several years which I have wondered if they were related to my gastric surgery (about 15 years ago now). I do take several supplements to strengthen my immune system and am slowly adopting a very healthy lifestyle(exercise, very careful watching of sugar consumtion, etc.)    — rainydaypam (posted on February 13, 2006)

February 13, 2006
Im not sure, but I think the parisites live in the lower colon, and I would think you would see remnants. Have you had your iron levels and zinc levels checked? Low iron and zinc, as well as magnesium, or pottasium, and B12 levels can cause fatique, and all other sorts of problems. It is very important to have labs at least once a year with a complete work up and you must request all iron, and zinc and lytes, (potassium, magnesium), I cant remember the other one for the lytes, and B12. a standard work up wont include all of these, so its very important to make sure they test it and your doc must write it on the lab order. You might also not be eating enough protien, or drinking enough water. There is any # of reasons for this but I wouldnt think parisies would be an issue, but speak to you doc about your concerns, and they can check for parisite infestions, too And I just thought you may have an ulcer in the stoma. Do you take Rx prevacid, or Nexium... Keep on top of this and see your doc asap. Take care and good luck I hope you feel better soon. Rosemary
   — wizz40

February 13, 2006
Decided to answer privately because the answer is yes. But also, I am in Puyallup and we have support group meetings this week, Tues & Wed. I'm 12 yrs, my husband is 11 and others are a few years out, so not all rookies. I wanted to refer you to the Grad list, as well. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG
   — vitalady

February 13, 2006
I know about being chronicly tired... ever since wls for me. No one can find out why, but it is real. Hope you find help better than I have.
   — Danmark

February 13, 2006
With the current RNY, the remnant stomach still produces over 1 liter of gastric juices a day which flows through the bypassed intestine; this prevents bacterial build-up in that area and keeps everything moving. Chronic fatigue syndrome is still a much misunderstood medical condition that has, in my opinion at least, not received the research attention it deserves given the toll it takes on its sufferers. However, I haven't found any studies that even suggest that longer-term gastric bypass patients have a higher incidence of CFS or immune-system issues.
   — SteveColarossi