Mini Gastric By Pass Surgery

Question
I am a potential for that type of surgery, a breast and colon cancer survivor and trying to research on the goods and bads of this type of surgery.  Possible side effects and how could it affect any other area of my body or health. Could you tell me more about what are the possible negative and positive results of this surgery?

Answer
Hi Marilyn:

I'm sorry it took me a few days to respond. I thought I had, but realized just now that I never sent the response.

My concern about the MGB or any type of bypass with a cancer survivor would be how it would affect you should you have a recurrence.  Keeping weight on and dealing with chemotherapy could be a big issue.  As you've already had colon cancer, I would be even more concerned with any type of surgery that involves the intestines.  Any form of bypass (including the loop of the MGB) would have a portion of blind intestine--something you don't want to deal with being a colon cancer survivor--as should your cancer reoccur there, there's no easy way to tell.

I think you're probably better off looking at a reversible surgery like an Adjustable Gastric Band (Lap-Band or Realize (JNJ)) or a Sleeve Gastrectomy.  I'll be honest and say that I'm not even sure about the sleeve gastrectomy, but at least it does not affect your intestines and is less likely to have malabsorption issues. Both can be very affordable from a self-pay standpoint. (As the MGB is almost always self-pay, I'm assuming that this might be an issue.) I really think that you're going to need to talk with your oncologist as well as your bariatric surgeon on what the right approach is.  Although Dr. Rutledge has had great results with the MGB, personally I would not feel comfortable recommending it to a colon cancer survivor.  In theory, the MGB is an easy reversal due to the loop bypass, but in practice, it can be more complicated.

I'm sorry I can't give you any more help.  I hope you find the surgery that is right for you.

Kind Regards,
Karla

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