Question:
I asked two different surgeons and got two different answers! Help!

I am having an RNY done soon, and consulted with two different surgeons. The first surgeon told me he did not cut away the large stomach from the pouch, he only stapled, and he also said he only bypasses about 80 cm. of the intestine, depending on whether the patient had enough intestine to bypass that much. The second surgeon told me he cuts the stomach away from the pouch and bypasses 100 to 150 cm. of intestine, to ensure the patient gets the "full benefit" of the surgery and the malabsorbtion. Which is best?    — Joanne C. (posted on October 16, 2000)

October 16, 2000
Hello...As i read your post i was reflecting on the MANY MANY pieces of info i have read on the RNY proceedure. 1st of all...how much do you need to lose?? If you are anything like me, i have about a person to unload off my body...i would opt for the second doctor that does a larger bypass..i do believe you malabsorbtion issues will be close either way. You will still need to make sure you take your supplements and protein. I have not had surgery yet but i want to know what my doctor/surgeon does will make sure i have every opportunity to meet my goals. Check into your doctors history and see who has better success rates. How lang each has been doing this operation and so on...lists of complications and medical reviews from the state boards. This can help you make an educated decision. Both doctors may be qualified and competent but one may have been doing this longer and has found tried and true results from his way...Thus...better success. I know i haven't exactly answered your question but you need to check them both out...
   — Tracy L.

October 16, 2000
Erin, definately the second surgeon. In my opinion a transected stomach is the way to go. Less chance of staple line disruption. And also in my personal opinon, the cm bypassed are better w/the second surgeon. More is being malabosorbed, but not to the point where you will have any problems eating or what not. Good Luck
   — [Anonymous]

October 16, 2000
Erin, This is really a very difficult question to answer. I chose to have the "complete" RNY where the stomach is actually surgically split, not just stapled ( my gallbladder was removed also.) I did a lot of research and decided that this proceedure was best for me because I found so many instances of the staple lines rupturing resulting in another surgery to repair/redo. Just because I chose to do this does not mean it is the right thing for you. A lot of my decision was based on how comfortable I felt with my surgeon and the information I got from him and doing the research at sites like this. I have had no complications and have lost about 70 pounds since May 1st. Keep asking questions until you are satisfied! Good Luck and I hope this helps.
   — Andrea P.

October 16, 2000
Hi Erin, The second surgeon. The one that totally transects is the way I would go. The reasons have already been stated by others here. Its just a better surgery. Less complications. Good Luck
   — Courtrina Amur W.

October 17, 2000
Hi Erin, I'm speaking from experience here. As one of the unlucky ones who has had to deal with a staple line disruption due to not having a transected stomach with the first surgery and, consequently, having to undergo a second surgery to transect the stomach, my advice is to go with Doctor #2. Also, as an FYI, I was told by one surgeon that there is a minimal difference in malabsorption between the 80 cm and 150 cm bypass. Good luck!
   — Leslie F.

October 17, 2000
Let me just add one more vote for Doctor #2. As a person who was lucky enough to have tried both procedures, I will say that if a doc is smart enough to know to transect and bypass 150cm, he may be a little more knowledgable in the field of bariatrics than the doc who does more of a quickie. You'll need to supplement with either procedure, sooner or later, but it becomes mroe critical sooner with the 150cm model. You'll just do that much better having supplemented correctly, right from the start.
   — vitalady