Celiac Before Gastric Bypass. Any Complications We Need To Know?

[mburkee]

Hubby is highly highly sensitive to gluten and has been on a gluten free diet for at least the past 5 years. He has tried everything for weight loss and nothing has worked, our doctor is having us look at gastric bypass. Our insurance covers it and we are both already at the max out-of-pocket for the year, so getting the surgery is definitely within our grasp.

 

We went to the informational seminar at the hospital last night and hubby got a bit scared because he didn't realize the surgery bypasses part of the small intestine. He is very worried that he wouldn't be able to have the surgery or that it will cause him harm after, celiac wise.

 

Is there anyone that has had the bypass surgery, but AFTER BEING DIAGNOSED with celiac? I don't need to hear from people that were diagnosed with celiac after the surgery.

 

He thought of the question after we left, so we were unable to bring up our concern to the doctor. We are in the process of trying to get the appointment with the surgeon and can find out what we need then, but the process is a bit slow (they want to do all the requirements with the insurance and stuff before they will have you come in for the appt, arg.), so we were wondering if anyone here had some experience?

 

If you fall into this category, was the surgery itself successful? Did you have issues that flared up the celiac/symptons, even if you avoided gluten?

 

Thanks!!!

[kareng]

I think I have seen something " official" on this. I can't find it and I'm not sure if said we shouldn't have bypass or lap band.

Univ of Chicago Celiac center usually answers questions. You might ask them.

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[SeekingSarah]

There is also the option of Gastric Sleeve, they do not bypass intestine, but no foreign object in you that can slip or cause erosion. 

 

As someone in the opposite position it is good that he was DX before surgery. In general, I don't see a lot of information re: weight loss surgery and celiac...so even his surgeon might not have definite answers.

 

You might find people on a weight lose surgery forum. www.obesityhelp.com use the search feature to find posts that mention Celiac.

[umsami]

You should post on the forums on Obesityhelp.com   

 

I have met a few duodenal switch people who had celiac disease.  It actually hasn't been an issue for them.

 

I'm sure the sleeve gastrectomy would be fine, as none of the intestines are bypassed.  Plus, you have the advantage of having a working pyloric valve and no dumping issues.  I'd be worried about the potential to dump with an RNY with some of the rice flours, etc.

[Irisheyes72]

Hi MBurkee, I had celiac before having lap band surgery in 2005. I don't know for sure if its just me or if the Celiac plays a part, but the Lap Band has not agreed with me. I had all the fill taken out. I have two friends who had the same surgery who are not celiac and have not had the same issues as I've had. I agree that you should check out Univr. Of Chicago Celiac. Good info.

Keep us posted!