Question:
I recently heard about a post-op patient who was diagnosed with Cancer.

She was informed by several doctors that this was CAUSED by her Gastric Bypass Surgery!? I'm told it's a "blood cancer".. I'm still waiting on the medical name for it. How is this possible? IS this possible? This person used the same surgeon I did and I am just slightly concerned for my future health and risks. Anyone heard of this or anything like it? Thanks for your input!! God Bless..    — sunsect (posted on September 20, 2002)

September 20, 2002
Cancer and WLS have absolutely NOTHING to do with one another and to make a connection is absurd. We don't know what life has in store for us after WLS, but at least we know that the odds are that most, if not all of our comorbidities will be eradicated with it. Non-WLS-related illnesses are just that -- not related to WLS.
   — Marti R.

September 20, 2002
I specifically asked my surgeon before my RNY if this surgery could increase my risks of stomach or any other cancers, any diseases, and even asked if I could be an organ donor in the future. He said that the only long term risks of this surgery were treatable by our vitamins (ie, calcium citrate for osteoporosis) and mechanical failures or ulcers. There is no increased risk for any kind of cancer or illnesses, and after losing the weight, we're actually at a much lower risk for some illnesses and cancers. And yes, we can be organ donors if we are otherwise healthy. That was particularly important to me as my mother has a serious liver disease that is in remission and if she relapses, I will give her a part of mine.
   — cjabates