Question:
My wife is 9 years post op and has been diagnosed with malabsorption

What I'm wondering is this, would the malabsorbption be related to the fact that her Sapala-Wood Micro pouch did not leave any part of the stomach attached to the esphogus prior to entering the intestines?    — BillyFafftastic (posted on January 21, 2010)

January 21, 2010
The Sapala-Wood micropouch is a malabsorbtive procedure. Weight loss is caused by malabsorbtion. It is because the stomach is completely bypassed and the intestine is reconnected after the bypassed stomach similar to an RNY except with a much smaller "pouch". Calories are malabsorbed as well as nutrients. Has she not been keeping up with her vitamin regimen? I'm not quite sure what to say here, except that we all suffer from malabsorbtion right from the get-go. I don't understand why it would take 9 years to get that diagnosis. In fact, when I get my labs done, that is the diagnosis I get in order for my insurance to cover labs. Sorry if I sound confusing at all, I am just trying to understand.
   — Jennifer F.

January 22, 2010
Can you give a little more detail of what her current problem is. Are there specific vitamins she is having problems with. I know you can get B12 through shots if the absorbtion is a problem.
   — trible

January 22, 2010
We all have the malabsorption, is she taking the vitamins and calcium, etc that she took right after surgery? The amount should still be the same for that and protein, and I believe B-12 shots are a great thing too, I do those every month.
   — eyeflirt4fun

February 4, 2010
My sister had a RNY 15 yrs ago and was also diagnosed with malabsorption. She was diagnosed with lung cancer 2 yrs ago and had a spot on her lung removed and chemo and radation. We fought with her being malnurished over and over again and through this process and after her last treatment in 09 she could not get enough nurishment to sustain her body. She passed away from malabsorbtion Nov 09. I know she did not have follow up care or take vitamins until 06. I had the same surgery 7 yrs ago and Im so scared of the same thing. I have had follow up care and take vitamins but not consistantly.
   — Kellie A.