Pre-Op Concerns

[hk1100 2]

Hi Everyone,

I am going outside US for a mini gastric bypass (MGB) in August. After reading many posts, and watching YouTube videos related to gastric bypass and MGB, I am really concerned about the following:

- Bile Reflux: It seems like a large percentage of MGBs get Bile Reflux and have to have convert to RNY. Have you seen this and what issues have you dealt with?

- Foul-Smelling Stool: Is this the case for all gastric bypass and MGB? Some mentioned they can't even use public restrooms due to strong smell. What has been your experience and does this get better after a while?

- Malnutrition: Has this happened to you and is taking Vitamins (multi, D3, B12) enough to fix this? What else are you taking to prevent malnutrition?

- What has been your biggest issue with your operation?

Thank you in advance for your time and valuable replied.

HK1100

[heatherjudson 62]

I had a gastric bypass and it cured my acid reflux. My poop smells better than before. What’s weird is it doesn’t really smell like poop. Perhaps it’s more like stomach acid? I use a Vitamin subscription service and my levels are normal. I take my Vitamins everyday and rarely miss a dose. For me it’s been the best decision of my life. I’m healthier and happier. I think it does make a difference that I researched my doctor and hospital and went with a center of excellence and a doctor with no serious complications and very few non serious complications. Good luck with your surgery!

HW 227
SW 221 11/27/18
GW1 184
GW2 154
CW 154
GW3 135

[Born in Missouri 1,266]

@Heather. I like that you have three goal weights listed in your signature area. I like the idea of having multiple ribbons to break through. Winner! Winner! Winner! Too bad this site doesn't allow for this stats option.

[Matt Z 4,140]

On 6/29/2018 at 6:34 PM, hk1100 said:

Hi Everyone,

I am going outside US for a mini gastric bypass (MGB) in August. After reading many posts, and watching YouTube videos related to gastric bypass and MGB, I am really concerned about the following:

- Bile Reflux: It seems like a large percentage of MGBs get Bile Reflux and have to have convert to RNY. Have you seen this and what issues have you dealt with?

- Foul-Smelling Stool: Is this the case for all gastric bypass and MGB? Some mentioned they can't even use public restrooms due to strong smell. What has been your experience and does this get better after a while?

- Malnutrition: Has this happened to you and is taking Vitamins (multi, D3, B12) enough to fix this? What else are you taking to prevent malnutrition?

- What has been your biggest issue with your operation?

Thank you in advance for your time and valuable replied.

HK1100

I had the RNY, poop smell depends on what I've eaten, some days it's normal, other's... it's down right foul. I keep a bottle of Poop-purri in my desk for work poops.

I'm using PatchMD patchs, my Vitamin D is low, but it was low before surgery (the joys of living in the north) so I take extra Vitamin D supplements, but all other blood levels were within normal ranges.

For me, I was revised from the Band to RNY, I didn't have the choice for the mini. But between the 2, if the mini has more complications than the RNY... I would have chosen the RNY if I had the options.

[hk1100 2]

Thanks MattZ for your informative reply.

It is good to know poop smell can be controlled by diet. I also have very low Vit D already. Mini Gastric Bypass (MGB) actually has a lot less complications and has replacing RYN in many countries.

Thanks again

HK

[hk1100 2]

On 6/29/2018 at 5:58 PM, heatherjudson said:

I had a gastric bypass and it cured my acid reflux. My poop smells better than before. What’s weird is it doesn’t really smell like poop. Perhaps it’s more like stomach acid? I use a Vitamin subscription service and my levels are normal. I take my Vitamins everyday and rarely miss a dose. For me it’s been the best decision of my life. I’m healthier and happier. I think it does make a difference that I researched my doctor and hospital and went with a center of excellence and a doctor with no serious complications and very few non serious complications. Good luck with your surgery!

HW 227
SW 221 11/27/18
GW1 184
GW2 154
CW 154
GW3 135

Heather,

Good to know about acid reflux. You mentioned Stomach acid. I was wondering if the big section of stomach, which is blocked off, still produces acid after a bypass. Do you mind mentioning which Vitamin subscription you use and are happy with?

Thanks again

HK

[heatherjudson 62]

I’m not sure if the larger stomach still produces stomach acid but my GERD was cured so if it does it doesn’t seem to be effecting me. I use the take care of Vitamin subscription. https://takecareof.com/

[MarinaGirl 609]

hk1100: I had MGB surgery in April 2017, which resolved my acid reflux, BUT in Dec 2017, I started experiencing stomach pain and nausea constantly. I’ve had 2 EGDs since then that show bile reflux in my pouch. I never had this type of reflux prior to MGB surgery, and I now have Barrett’s Esophagus too, which is very concerning. My next step is to be revised to an RNY this summer. I regret having an MGB and wish I had RNY as my original bariatric surgery.

UPDATE: I do not have foul-smelling BMs. That is more an issue for DS patients and people who eat a lot of carbs/processed food.

My lab work shows that my Vitamin levels are normal. I take 2 One A Day 50+ Multivitamins, and also take separate calcium citrate and heme Iron, but not together, as well as magnesium and D.

Edited July 5, 2018 by MarinaGirl

[hk1100 2]

Thanks MarinaGirl,

You are the second person mentioning Bile Reflux after MGB. That is one of my main concerns and I have been watching Dr. Rutledge videos on this. He says if the surgeon is trained, he can prevent this during surgery. He also mentions taking a sip of orange juice in the morning to test for gastritis, and yogurt at night to prevent reflux. Did you do any of those things or do you think they would be helpful in preventing Bile Reflux?

[MarinaGirl 609]

Taking a sip of orange juice does not prevent gastritis or an ulcer; instead, it may just indicate a possible problem if it causes discomfort. I eat yogurt everyday too but it also doesn’t prevent reflux. I eat it because I like the taste & consistency, and it is a great Protein source.

My MGB surgeon did the extra step that is supposed to minimize bile reflux but it does not necessarily work. The high incidence of bile reflux is a physics issue, not a skill level of the surgeon issue.