Question:
Not a Question, but an observation and information that was

passed to me from several members on this website...From what I have been told, there is a possibility that those of us that have had WLS CAN (not will) develop problems with the liver. Especially those who are consuming very large amounts of protein in excess. This is why we MUST drink that water!!! It's VERY IMPORTANT!! You will hear it again and again! Your liver is just as important as your kidneys. The stomach, liver, kidneys, colon, intestines, gallbladder, etc., ALL work to perform their individual function(s) and collective gastrointestinal process. If ONE or more "systems" within the GI tract is off, oftentimes, it kinda throws everything else off. Don't agree? Research...Proximal LAP RNY 9/3/02, 5'2" 265/138/115-126 Hadiyah McCutcheon, a.k.a.~~~    — yourdivaness (posted on January 12, 2004)

January 12, 2004
I totally agree with what you have stated, but allow me to expand it just a little. In my research to have this procedure (RNY) done I came across information that seemed to link the risk of liver problems to the amount of intestines that were by passed. With the lesser bypass being the lesser risk and the longer bypass being the higher risk. It seems as if the amount of food absorption through the intestines is what factors into this. (I even checked this info. with my surgeon and he agrees). This being said I would like to suggest that people research how much their prospective surgeon bypasses each time he performs the surgery and go with the lesser. Hope this was helpful. JIM
   — Jim S.

January 13, 2004
Hadiyah, I have talked for over two years on the importance of water - and not just for weight loss. So many people seem to think that they only need to drink to help with their weight - and, according to my surgeon, that is not the purpose of needing the fluids. We have to maintain the minimum of 64 ounces of fluids daily for the rest of our lives - not just til we reach goal. And, my surgeon also thinks that some of the programs recommend too much protein. He suggests that we get between 50 and 60g a day while losing and then as our weight nears normal, taper down to 42 - 50g per day. We had a nutritionist speak at a meeting recently who said that those of us who are at goal need MORE protein than when we were MO. That is exactly opposite of what I was told in the beginning and when I questioned my surgeon, he said he does not agree with the new thinking on that. According to her, I would need 85 g of protein daily and my surgeon and I both think that is too much. I am two years post-op; have been at goal for about a year and am maintaining very well. All my lab results are great and I am extremely healthy. So, I have no intention of changing anything, including getting the required 64 ounces or more water daily. Thanks for posting this.
   — Patty_Butler

January 13, 2004
That's why I love this site! When I start slacking off someone reminds me why we follow the rules. THANKS! getting back on track with my water!!
   — ZZ S.

January 14, 2004
I truly enjoy this communication and interactive session!! That is not to say that I am always right, but simply saying that we are taking responsibility for ourselves and independently researching our information~doing whatever we need to do. We haven't always felt the mental or emotional strength for a long time to speak up about anything concerning our own person. Many posts I read on a daily basis puts me back *in check*. That's why I've updated my profile...I agree with you ALL so far...SAN Z, Patty & Jim, we do have to be careful with the amount of protein we *independently* consume on our own. Just because some of us are consuming over 60g per day, does not really mean that it is required of all of us. I have a tendency to *challenge* my PCP. It's fun! I figure IF I can PROVE I'm right and my actions (as far as my health is concerned; labs, etc.) is justified with my "trial-and-error" process, then I have made an accomplishment AND brought something to MY PCP's attention. Granted, this is NOT something I would advise any members here to do. It's actually depends on the relationship(s) you have with your PCP and/or surgeon(s). For example, my PCP prior to my WLS, told me that I was "compulsive", yet oftentimes he received all of the research info I took to him, researched it again himself, then either calls me or sends a letter. I even have certain "changes" that have been made to my aftercare-based on what we have discussed. Especially where the protein issues are concerned. I am ever so grateful to this AMOS website (Michelle Curran) in particular. Simply because because of AMOS, I have become..., well, let's just say an "avid researcher" and have been empowered by the members to participate in MY healthcare. My goal in my personal life as well as being a member of this website, is to share and promote that "researching spirit" among others and not always go along with everything we're told (by professionals and non-professionals alike). The professionals USUALLY know best, but sometimes the information they've received is either outdated or scientific data has not been documented. The non-professionals (me, for example, at least until I'm credentialed) take an interest in my health now. Here, we share, take the advice, and make our OWN decisions...especially when it involves something which will affect us for the rest of our lives=we'll have to deal with any positives or negatives that result from the decision(s) we make or have made. Hopefully, this will be helpful to some as well...Hadiyah, Proximal LAP RNY 9/3/02 265/138/115-126, 5'2" a.k.a.~~~
   — yourdivaness