Problems with the MGB?

[David Davidson]

I'm new here, considering the MGB and have a question for those who have gone before ...

In December of 2001 and in response to the first article published by Dr. Rutledge on the MGB, ten bariatric surgeons published a letter to the editor of "Obesity Surgey" expressing serious reservations regarding the long term safety of the MGB They asserted that by virtue of its unique "plumbing" configuration the MGB creates risk of gastritis and esophagitis relative to the RNY. Some forms of untreated long-term gastritis may be linked to increased cancer risk. (The letter ends with a pompous "primum, non nocere"; e.g., first, do no harm. Given the relative complication rates of the MGB versus the RNY, this admonition seems seems ironic.) But nevertheless the letter raises a fair question regarding the MGB. My question to the group is 1) how did you get comfortable with this alleged risk, and 2) whether you have experienced any such symptoms yourself since your MGB.

[Benjamin Smith]

David,

Welcome to the group...good question. Why in the world would these Doctors write such a letter I asked, when I was doing my homework on which procedure was right for me. To my knowledge, there is no proof that MGB does have an more increased risk of gastritis and cancer risk. In fact, I'd say quite the contrary with my line of thinking. Most stomach cancer risk comes from diet itself... and we are advised to quit processed meats and high nitrate foods. In fact, my diet now is FAR healthier than prior to surgery, overall decreasing my overall health risk by a huge percentage (not to mention the health benefits of losing weight itself.)

If you download the MGB Manual that we all must do due diligence homework on prior to being approved for surgery from www.clos.net, it will cover in much greater medical detail what risk is involved with MGB and RNY.

I believe MGB has been around for over 10 years now... if it wasn't the gold standard in my book, I would not have chosen it.

Best of luck,

Benjamin

[David K]

Hello Benjamin,

I just started researching this type of surgery. I do not have any insurance to cover the cost of the surgery. Can you tell me what it costs or point me to a contact that can give me a breakdown of the costs.

Also, are aware of anyone that does this surgery in the NW states. I live near Seattle.

[Ellen Timms]

Hi David -- I agree with Ben that our lifestyle change helps to eliminate or reduce any risks of cancer. I do also eat much better now and I am comfortable and don't feel deprived by the diet change. Although I didn't have any dire health concerns other than a BMI of 45, I do know I have increased my life span and state of health.

Because the ten surgeons wrote this letter in 2001 - probably about 5,000 procedures ago, I would question the validity of their concerns.

I thank my lucky stars I found MGB and didn't undergo RNY surgery. Do your homework, talk to lots of MGB post-ops, read the posts online. You'll come to a decision that you will be comfortable with.

Ellen - 4 months out and 57.5 pounds down. (About half-way there!)

[Edie Elting]

I suspect The letters from the "experts" had more to do with validating the surgery they were doing, and protecting their status with insurance companies. Only babies like change.

I had GERD before surgery, and an EGD at 6 months out showed a little inflammation still, but far less than I had before. I think if I follow the recommended diet and regiment of supplements and pills, I will be done with GERD.

In considering possible complications, I weighed the complications I already had - and the surgery was a no-brainer!

[Mark Draper]

David, I did a fair amount of research prior to having the MGB. I talked to over 100 people. Watched every video I could find for all WL surgeries. Even though my insurance company covered the RNY and the Lap band I still opted for the MGB. The people that I talked to had the both the RNY and the Lap band and had failed at both. The post op pain that was associated with both was unbearable for these people and their weight loss was minimal overall. (lapband 5 years total loss 40lbs 27 fills and adjustments. RNY 6 yrs ago initial loss 180lbs gained 200Lbs over the past 2 years)

My recomendation research as much as you can talk to as many people here as you can and get to a seminar with Dr R and ask him as many questions as you have. watch the Tuesday morning clinic's and hear the sucess stories.

For me personally I had my MGB on December 3rd starting weight 380lbs today 333lbs 47lbs

Surgery 17k
diabetes gone,High blood pressure gone,Sleep Apnea Gone, joint pain gone PRICELESS!!!