Article: Bypass Can Work Too Well. Malnutrition After Weight Loss Surgery.

A cautionary tale of complications lasting long after gastric bypass.

Source article:  http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/health/402920,CST-NWS-bypass27.article

"...her gastric bypass surgery left her unable to adequately digest food, causing severe malnutrition.  Since her 2003 surgery, Herkey has been hospitalized 11 times for malnutrition. She suffers from fainting spells, osteoporosis and severe vitamin and protein deficiencies.

In an attempt to maximize weight loss, a few surgeons have bypassed too much intestine, resulting in malnutrition. Such surgeons understand the technical aspects of the operation, but not nutrition, said Northwestern gastroenterologist Dr. Alan Buchman. "We're seeing more disasters than we should be seeing," he said.

In April 2003, Herkey decided to have surgery after seeing one of those dramatic before-and-after ads on TV.

Herkey is at home now, getting tube-fed 24 hours a day to build strength for the revision surgery. Afterward, Herkey still will have a small stomach pouch. But food will pass through a longer section of intestine, allowing better absorption, said Northwestern weight-loss surgeon Dr. Alex Nagle.

Herkey said if she could turn the clock back, she would have gone to a nutritionist, personal trainer and psychologist who specializes in eating disorders.

"I rue the day I climbed up onto that operating table," she said."

To read the entire article, please go here:

http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/health/402920,CST-NWS-bypass27.article