RNY surgery question

[LindsayT 599]

Hey all. I'm having RNY in a few weeks. My question is, do they ever take out the bypassed portion of the stomach and intestines or always leave them in? Why leave them if they're not used?

[Tomo 1,196]

They don't remove it because the stomach is still needed to do its job making the necessary enzymes needed for food digestion. The juices will mix with the food in the intestines later. Usually no part of the stomach or intestines are removed in RNY.

[Jeanniebug 476]

Nope, everything is still in there. So - technically - the procedure is reversible. My surgeon has done it twice, in 30 years of doing these surgeries.

[catwoman7 11,274]

yep - the others are right - they're needed for digestion. And yes - bypass is technically reversible, although they don't do it unless you have serious issues that can't be resolve any other way.

[BabySpoons 632]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I recently heard a bariatric surgeon say that bypassing the stomach leaves it in a 24/7 fasting state. I'm big on all the benefits of fasting so knowing that fact was exciting to me. I'd love to hear a more in depth teaching on the subject along with reestablishing a healthy microbiome, setpoint etc. via surgery.

[catwoman7 11,274]

3 minutes ago, BabySpoons said:

Correct me if I'm wrong but I recently heard a bariatric surgeon say that bypassing the stomach leaves it in a 24/7 fasting state. I'm big on all the benefits of fasting so knowing that fact was exciting to me. I'd love to hear a more in depth teaching on the subject along with reestablishing a healthy microbiome, setpoint etc. via surgery.

I haven't heard that, but who knows? It might be true. I know bypassers are susceptible to Vitamin deficiencies, though, because of the malabsorption. That's why it's critical for us to keep on top of our supplements - the consequences of slacking off are more severe for us than they are for sleevers.

EDITED TO ADD: I'm not really sure about fasting in general, though. I know the malabsorption the first few months is super strong - you malasorb calories in addition to nutrients. Unfortunately, the malabsorption of calories seems to go away after a year or two - whereas the malabsorption of nutrients stays. I had a 20 lb regain in year 3 (which is unfortunately very common - usually 10-20 lbs), and I currently struggle to keep my weight where it is, so the part of fasting where you lose weight isn't true - or at least not for me. But maybe he meant for the first year or two? Or was referring specifically to nutrients ? Not sure.

Edited April 17, 2023 by catwoman7

[BabySpoons 632]

5 hours ago, catwoman7 said:

I'm not really sure about fasting in general, though.

Like the original poster, I was curious what happened with the "unused" part of the stomach. The part of the stomach sectioned off is in a 24/7 fasting state. It will never see food again in it's bypassed state.

As for the pouch, yes. Vitamins are critical. I took them preop and will start chewables at my 2 week mark tomorrow. As well as my soft foods phase. I won't fast my new little stomach intentionally. Following doctor's orders all the way but I can't promise I won't try it down the road if need be.

[catwoman7 11,274]

13 hours ago, BabySpoons said:

Like the original poster, I was curious what happened with the "unused" part of the stomach. The part of the stomach sectioned off is in a 24/7 fasting state. It will never see food again in it's bypassed state.

sorry - I misunderstood what you were trying to say in your original post. Yes - you are correct - food will never go through the bottom 3/4 (or whatever) of your stomach again unless the surgery is reversed.

[BabySpoons 632]

1 hour ago, catwoman7 said:

sorry - I misunderstood what you were trying to say in your original post.

No worries. I may not have explained it as well as I should.

BTW... your stats are amaaazing. We are same height and your current weight is my goal weight. I bet you have many words of wisdom. I'm impressed