Jejunoileal (intestinal) bypass surgery

[libby08]

If Patty1955 is still around, I had the surgery in 1978.  I am not sure what is going on with me right now except I know that I don't feel well.


This discussion is related to Jejunoileal (intestinal) bypass surgery.

[Wakkam]

I had JIB in 1986, even though the medical community were not recommending the procedure as early as 1977 - due to complications.  I have suffered from bacterial overgrowth since approx 2003.  Prednisone and Cypro (steroids and antibiotics x 3 annually) resolve issue until next episode.  Now I have an extended abdomen, short-gut syndrome and dumping, fecal incontinence, malabsorption (sometimes pills end up in toilet looking the same as when they went in), chronic dehydration.  I was diagnosed with Stage 3 kidney failure which was confirmed by ultrasound and blood test over time.  Although CKD (chronic kidney disease) is a long term complication of JIB, it seems that mine may have been acutely related to dehydration and the pain medication I was on.  I am no longer considered to have it - for now.  Non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver is also a long term complication.  Last three ultra sounds - ordered by GP - confirm enlarged liver.  Referred to several specialists but none will take on patients with a history of bariatric surgery.  They say that every bariatric surgery patient will have this and there's nothing you can do other than diagnose-no treatment.  Which is not helpful if the cause of the enlarged liver is caused by something else such as cancer.  How would one ever be accepted as a patient by a liver specialist?  You give this right up because you had an earlier surgery?  Here are some of my thoughts.  I was told the life expectancy of JIB patients is 55.  I'm about to turn 54 and my life has gone downhill so drastically over past two years.  55 - possible?  Anytime you take a supplement, try to take the citrate version (magnesium citrate, calcium citrate, etc).  They absorb much quicker.  Even though you suffer from "dumping" keep eating the veggies.  I used to eat like someone who has chrones or colitis.  I was never given any information about how to adjust eating habits after JIB but very shortly after my surgery I met someone who had hers before me.  She was anorexic-looking and had mono.  I made a decision at that time to eat to ensure I get nutrients in.  Dump and eat, dump and eat.  Lots of veggies and lots of supplements.  Unfortunately the bloating and gas and smelly 'poops' are part of it but I'd rather be healthier and fat than what this other lady was.  Another odd final comment.  For the past year I have had a problem breathing.  The distended tummy pushes on the lungs.  If you think you have asthma discuss this organ-crowding issue with your doctor as a possibility.  I would have had mine reversed but I had an incisional hernia repair where they inserted a mesh webbing.  The reversal would not be laparoscopic.  It would be the full open version and because of this damn mesh the risks are too high.  Even though I consulted with the hernia surgeon about an upcoming reversal, he assured me there would be no complications.   One thing that's come out of this is an inherent distrust of the med profession!

[bluebird000]

I so agree . I wish the medical profession would have told m e to stay connected with them.  I had to stay around for 6 months and then I was on my own.  " I have recently tried to connect with the hospital where it was done bu no one calls back.  A scary feeling to say the least.

[bluebird000]

Yes. I am out here and really glad to connect with others who have had that particular surgery.I was 25 yrs old when i had the surgery in 1975 Portland Oregon. All went well for years and lost 110 lbs, Danced it off. Worked and starved myself.  I have gained back about 60 lbs and have held that weight for 30 yr's. but Slowly became weaker, loss of energy etc. The malnutrition has taken its tole.  I no have nutritional IVs twice a month , b12 shots daily, thyroid problems, etc. The IV is a life saver.  I go to a natural path Dr (ND)
Having some counseling to help me handle the down times.  Some depression. I am scared and feel so alone with all this that is going on . Thinking of reconnecting but probably won't. I wish you all the best in your struggles to live  and enjoy life . It is very hard sometimes. I try to notice the MOMENTS of happiness in a day- a bird, my grandchild's laugh, color, the sky etc.

[twiggy74]

I had the intesional bypass surgery when I was 11 now I am 49 and have alot of problems..I weiged 240 and had the surgery in 1978...I suffer from Bipolar disorder and severe depression, also vitiam definecy, constapation, Since I had the surgery I have bladder problems...I went from 240 to 125 and had a terrible time cause I looked sick in which I was. I have seen a psychiarst all my life since the surery...I  did not gain weight  till I was put on Seraqel I went from 125 to 190...Since I quit taking seraqel I have been losing weight I now weigh 168...I know how everyone feels who had this surgery Even though I have alot of problems now but if I did not have it I was heading for a stroke...I have Bells Palsey since that surgery...John Hemmer done my surgery here in KY he has passed since then....God Bless everyone....and have a Merry Christmas....
.......Tracy

[twiggy74]

I had the intesional bypass surgery when I was 11 now I am 49 and have alot of problems..I weiged 240 and had the surgery in 1978...I suffer from Bipolar disorder and severe depression, also vitiam definecy, constapation, Since I had the surgery I have bladder problems...I went from 240 to 125 and had a terrible time cause I looked sick in which I was. I have seen a psychiarst all my life since the surery...I  did not gain weight  till I was put on Seraqel I went from 125 to 190...Since I quit taking seraqel I have been losing weight I now weigh 168...I know how everyone feels who had this surgery Even though I have alot of problems now but if I did not have it I was heading for a stroke...I have Bells Palsey since that surgery...John Hemmer done my surgery here in KY he has passed since then....God Bless everyone....and have a Merry Christmas....
.......Tracy

[ncullen]

My name is Nicholas and my mother is being treated in hospital now for dehydration and a bacterial infection in her intestines.

She had the JIB procedure done when she was 23 in 1975 for weight control. Since then, she has developed severe arthritis, recurring oxelate kidney stones, mineral deficincies, fatigue and chronic loose bowel movements. It has been getting progressively worse to the point where she has trouble eating by getting full very quickly and experiences severe gas and bloating 24/7. I finally think enough is enough and have begun the search for a JIB reversal. I found a doctor at Beth Israel in NY, Dr. Elliot Goodman who is a bariatric surgeon who is capable of performing the surgery and who is encouraging it. My mother does not have medical insurance and the procedure would

cost between 20-25,000. Any help out there or other ideas ?

Hope this helps.



Nick Cullen