Gastric Bypass Surgery before and after
Credit: Mayo Clinic | ©Mayo Clinic
The results of two separate studies conducted at Washington Hospital Center show the potential for postoperative nutritional deficiency in gastric bypass surgery patients.
The results of the studies suggest that a condition known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, which can be a very serious condition that impacts on how the body absorbs vitamins, minerals and elements such as calcium and zinc.
This is a condition that cannot be taken lightly in so far as about 150,000 people will have gastric bypass surgery this year alone. And there are wide variations in surgical techniques.
In one of the studies, conducted by Dr. Timothy Koch the researchers theorize that gastric bypass surgery alters the gut ecology and that could induce calcium deficiency. The surgical changes to the stomach that create a gasric pouch, which is done in a procedure known as the Roux-en-Y procedure has an impact on the number of cells in the lining of the stomach that produce acid. In addition, many patients are given acid suppressing drugs after their surgery.
The researchers suspect that the acid reduction, which is known as achlorhydria, contributes to the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. De. Koch states that the competition between bacteria and the human host for ingested nutrients leads to serious complications due to deficiency in elements such as zinc.
The team conducted a retrospective review of gastric bypass patients and the results showed that all of the 43 who had hydrogen breath testing for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth had abnormal findings. They also measured the level of calcium and found that those who had SIBO also had lower levels of calcium. They warn that not having the right amount of calcium absorption may increase the risk to develop, low bone mineral density, osteoporosis or osteomalacia, which is softening of the bones due to defective bone mineralization
The results of the studies suggest that a condition known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, which can be a very serious condition that impacts on how the body absorbs vitamins, minerals and elements such as calcium and zinc.
This is a condition that cannot be taken lightly in so far as about 150,000 people will have gastric bypass surgery this year alone. And there are wide variations in surgical techniques.
In one of the studies, conducted by Dr. Timothy Koch the researchers theorize that gastric bypass surgery alters the gut ecology and that could induce calcium deficiency. The surgical changes to the stomach that create a gasric pouch, which is done in a procedure known as the Roux-en-Y procedure has an impact on the number of cells in the lining of the stomach that produce acid. In addition, many patients are given acid suppressing drugs after their surgery.
The researchers suspect that the acid reduction, which is known as achlorhydria, contributes to the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. De. Koch states that the competition between bacteria and the human host for ingested nutrients leads to serious complications due to deficiency in elements such as zinc.
The team conducted a retrospective review of gastric bypass patients and the results showed that all of the 43 who had hydrogen breath testing for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth had abnormal findings. They also measured the level of calcium and found that those who had SIBO also had lower levels of calcium. They warn that not having the right amount of calcium absorption may increase the risk to develop, low bone mineral density, osteoporosis or osteomalacia, which is softening of the bones due to defective bone mineralization
Comments
Verna
(Guest)
(Guest)
01/04/2010
I had the surgery done in Aug. of 2007. I was just over 100 pounds over weight. I was suffering for years with migraines, back and knee pain,and lived on medications. Sometimes for days in bed with the migraines. Now I have stopped taking medications, look great, but most of all I can lead a normal life. My only side effect is now I have bone loss in my hips and lower back. This was caught in time and I now take more vitamins and it has forced me to exercise every day, which I should have been doing to start with. I love my new life. I would do it over again in a minute.
marie
(Guest)
(Guest)
08/18/2009
my brother in law was 34 and he died from gastric bypass now my bf snuck behind my back and had the surgery, he wasnt overweight by no means....but he had excellent insurance...it sickens me to know that doctors would do this on a person who for one is not mentally stable, he was in the psychiatric ward a few times, and two he wasnt even overweight?
Kristen
(Guest)
(Guest)
07/20/2009
In responce to Sandi's comment. I had surgery in April 2004 with many of the same complications as you. I have had two procedures for strictures. I had my gallbladder removed in 2006 (talk about pain). I have been hospitalized 4 times for dehydration due to nausea, vomiting, doctor says my digestive system just shuts down. When this happens back in the hospital I go. The pain is so bad they have to put me on morphine. I was 308 the day of surgery, with all the "shutdowns" I have been under 120 pounds. This is not a good look for me as I was starving myself. In the past couple of years it has been happening less and less(although I have been suffering for the last week). See if you can get your doctor to prescribe Zofran for the nausea and vomiting. These have been my life saver. They are on of the most expensive meds I have ever taken, so you have to make sure your insurance will cover. TRUST ME you dont want to pay for these. A thirty day script is about $4,500.00. These are made for
Debbie
(Guest)
(Guest)
06/15/2009
I had the surgery in July of 2003. It was the most difficult thing I had ever done, but, I would not be here today to hold my Grandchildren and see them grow up. I was on about 7 meds before the surgery and now I only take 2. I lost 130lbs and although much of the aches and pains I have now was caused from being obese for so many long years.
I would do it all over again if needed in order to have the life I have now because before, I had no life I was just here and in constant pain and misery.
My only advice to anyone thinking about this surgery is, make sure you investigate the doctor who is going to do it. As well as educate your self before the surgery and understand that it is going to be a difficult journey. But for me it was well worth it.
Shannon
(Guest)
(Guest)
06/13/2009
I had the operation a couple of years ago in Jan.06. Just within the past few months I have gained back about 30 lbs. I was 255 then dropped to 120 and now i am 160. I have been experiencing low blood sugars every day now between 10am and noon. They have dropped as low as 47 even after eating a bowl of cereal an hour earlier. What is causing this to happen to me? and how do i deal with it?
:)
(Guest)
(Guest)
12/15/2008
Hey, my partner had the procedure done years ago before we met, but she does have episodes of coughing up flem-like fluid. She has figured out many of the foods that cause this and tries to avoid them. She's had various serious health issues from the procedure, so I'd not recommend it to anyone.
Sandra
(Guest)
(Guest)
11/04/2008
I had my surgery almost two years ago and i have now developed in the last month or so where i gag and eventually throw up....not to get to graphic but i mainly throw up flem......i feel much better once i have thrown this up....can anyone relate to this and if so what can a person do about this....
Thank you for any response...
Sandi
Lisa R.
(Guest)
(Guest)
10/15/2008
I also had headaches in the first year after my surgery 12/2004 and realized that even when I am not hungry and most food is making me sick that you still have to drink, drink, drink water. According to my doctor I was dehydrated, alot. It worked, even when I was full I had to force myself to stay hydrated, water filled me up. Hope this helps.
Tina
(Guest)
(Guest)
09/16/2008
My husband too has the same condition only worse. He developed a digestive disorder that prevents him from digesting his food. He breaks out all the time. He takes 11 medications daily and that does not include vitamins. I have almost lost him three times. Most of his problems are caused by a surgeon who didn't know what she was doing.
regina
(Guest)
(Guest)
05/08/2008
My husband has developed a daily chronic headache. He had his gastric bypass in 2006. Had a kidney stone removal in December 2006. Headaches started December 2006. Has anyone had any problems with headaches. Note: He never had headaches prior to his surgery.
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