Question:
I have read that after wls there is a higher risk of stomach cancer

I have read about the increased risks for stomach cancer in several articles. Has anyone ever heard of this? Is this just something to scare people from having it? It is kinda scary to think about.    — taterbug898 (posted on April 13, 2004)

April 13, 2004
Just where did you read this? My surgeon Dr Philip Schauer world leader in gastric bypoass says this isnt true at all.
   — bob-haller

April 13, 2004
In my paperwork from my surgeon, there is a section that states " The patient should be aware that an ulcer or cancer could develop in the bypassed portion of the stomach in future years/ As far as we know, there is no greater incidence of these problems in bypassed stomachs, but because of the rearranged anatomy, they may become difficult to diagnose and thereby grow to larger sizes before a diagnosis is made." I don't know what other dr's are saying, but mine made sure I received and signed a completed awarness packet. My web site has my dr and hospital information. I will be having my surgery on 4/28/04 Open RNY http://dooble.net/WLSJ.html
   — Deborah S.

April 13, 2004
With all the futre risk this is how I keep sane....... No one can control how or what they die from. If we don't do something about our weight we will die from stroke, heart attacks, sleep apnea or having diabetes(sp?) At my current weight I won't make it to see 40 so worring about something that may or may not happen is no good for you. Another thing I think about is that RNY has been around for a good 30yrs and if the incident was that significant then bypasses would probably not done anymore or we would know enough after research were we wouldn't have to ask. It is perfectly understandble to think about all these things but your life span is so much shorter being obese that you can't let what ifs consume you. Your present diet could give you stomach cancer you just never know. But to answer your question yes I have read and been told that as well. There is a risk for ulcers(because the connection of our new pouch to the intestine) but that is why taking aspirin is not good by bypass patients and really it is not good for anyone. Assuming your ulcer went untreated then yes cancer is likely as well. I hope you don't think I was attacking you.....I wasn't we are all in this together so good luck with your journey.
   — davesband1

April 13, 2004
I think the answer is putting a simple little set of clips in the old stomach to make access easier in the future without a major surgery. This was done in me because I have a horrible history of stomach polyps and we needed to maintain access to the excluded stomach for future checks. They use a fluroscope to find the clips, put in a needle and then use dilators to open the clips so a scope can fit in. All done as an outpatient surgery and I believe with we just marginally sedated and the area numbed. My internist was thrilled when he heard this would be done. He had great concerns with the bypass operation and losing access to my excluded stomach. <p>My surgeon said that one of the docs they did some surgery with for learning new and better LAP techniques has gone to doing this in all of his patients. It's relatively simple and inexpensive and a huge safety net. I suspect I will have my first scoping 3-5 years after WLS. I am hopeful the polyp issue will be gone because the stomach is no longer getting all the Prilosec that shut down the acid pump. I had to take those meds to deal with the anti-inflammatories I had to live on because of my knees and low back. So time will tell. I also have a history of colon polyps, so just call me polyp queen.
   — zoedogcbr

April 13, 2004
My surgeon says WLS surgey has no effect on weather or not you get stomach cancer. He did add that if I got stomach cancer, it might be harder to diagnose (sp?)
   — barbara A.

April 13, 2004
Just remember this - believe nothing of what you hear and 1/2 of what you read. I do not believe a lot of the negative things out there that they print on WLS because the writers are usually ignorant of the facts. Whenever you hear or read some of these types of supposed "facts" you need to address the question to your medical professional for the answer.
   — ChristineB

April 14, 2004
I don't beleive it. It is not anywhere in any reliable sources or professional literature. beware of the information that is passed on from person to person until it has been repeated so many times that is is accepted as truth.
   — **willow**

April 14, 2004
If this is a realy big worry for you, maybe you should check into having the DS instead of the RNY. With the DS, the excess portion of the stomach is completely removed from the body, so there's no 'blind pouch' left behind.
   — MsBatt