Question:
Will doctors do surgery on someone with colitis?

After 6+ months of diareaha (I can't spell it!), an upper GI, a colonoscopy, and tons of lab work, it's been discovered that I have colitis. I am not sure what type of colitis is it... I see my doctor on May 10th. He called me early to let me know the results of my biopsies and is starting me on Asacol. I am worried that this will somehow affect my ability to have WLS. Is there anyone on here with colitis who has had WLS? Thanks for the info. Sid    — mrsidknee (posted on April 29, 2005)

April 29, 2005
I am living proof that you can have RNY and have colitis. I have microscopic colitis(lymphycitic) and I had my RNY on May 7th of '03. It is called microscopic because unlike ulcerative colitis you cannot see it with the naked eye; a pathologist has to view the cells under a microscope. You most likely will need to be stable with your diarreah before they do any surgery on your bowel. I was on Asacol and was switched to Pentasa because I could open the capsule and take the beads without the capsule shell. My gastro doc said that I HAD to be on some form of med for my colitis and would not approve me with my surgeon for surgery unless I was on some type of med to help with the colitis. My doctor's protocal is no pills for the first 6 months PO. The properties of Asacol is such that they do not totally break down in the intestinal track, you will notice that they appear to come out whole like they went in you. Your surgeon will probably want to touch base with your gastro doctor for approval for you to have surgery and I know that my surgeon also talked with a gastro doc of his choosing to ask about my form of colitis and if it would affect me PO RNY. I am happy to say that I no longer have diarreah like I did in the past and I also found that I am sensitive to wheat foods and if I stay away from them I do not have to go running off to the potty. And oh by the way I no longer have to take any meds for my colitis either, WOOHOO!! I just have to keep some on hand for whenever I have a time that I may have a flareup.
   — ChristineB