Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group AS vs. Gastric bypass

I have been researching the possiblity of having a gastric bypass to reduce my weight which would greatly reduce the pressure on my bones and joints. I asked my Rhematologist about this and he stated this would actually make my AS worse. Has anyone heard of the gastric bypass making AS worse or has anyone actually had this done? Thanks for any help anyone can give!

Judijac,

Wish I had some advice.. It sounds like reducing some pressure on your joints might make them feel better. I know that "trauma" can cause flares.. I am sure someone will be along soon with better info!

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Kristin

Thanks Kristin! I am just really confused since the Rheumatologist said no and of course the surgeon that would perform the gastric bypass (who is also an orthosurgeon) said it would only help my AS!

Judi

Hi Judi: Welcome to KickAS. My sister-in-law had a procedure done a while back and she directed me to google (bioenterics) if I wanted to read about it. Maybe if you searched the site there might be a page where you can direct such a question or maybe you can get a 2nd opinion. Keep well and keep posting, Tom

The only advice that I could offer is that you may want to talk to at least one more Rhumie. I would strongly recomend not making a decision like this one on just one rhumie's recomendation. Good luck finding more information on this.


http://www.power-over-pain.org

Take care my friend

Daniel

In my experience trauma to the body (in my case even a case of the flu) can cause a major flare! I agree that you need a second rheumy's opinioni, surgeond are always of course in favor of surgery but be careful!!!!!!

Cheryl

Dogs believe in long term relationships

Hi Judi,
Wanted to welcome you to KickAS (KA)!!! Hope to see you posting more!!



Michelle

Hi, and welcome to KickAS!!

About your question: I also have a weight problem and I have had AS all my life. My back hurt all the time even when I wasn't heavy. I don't know if it would make much difference, other than to make me feel better about myself. Trauma will cause AS to flare, and surgery is definately trauma. I think I would try to find an alternative to surgery. I'll PM you.

Hugs,

Cindy

Hi Judi,
From what I just read on the internet the gastric bypass makes use of the division in the stomach in two parts by bypassing the lower part, the part in which most gastric juices are available for digesting the food so digestion will be less complete. The effect of this will probably be that more undigested food will arrive at the lower bowel and will be digested there by the bacteria of the bowel flora. Depending on your believe of the importance of bacteria in the pathogenesis of AS (see no-starch forum) this will be bad for your AS or indifferent. I myself believe in a role for the bacteria, some rheumy's will also but (most) others not. Another thing to consider is that the effect of eating too much will also promote bacterial growth cause your body probably will not be able to digest everything, so that will make the difference between the options smaller.
Well that are just some extra things to consider apart from the good things said by the others already. With some hesitation I would also like to add that the no starch diet is certainly effective for loosing weight and probably good for the AS too. I said with hesitation cause you probably have had your way with diets before optioning for something drastic like the bypass.
Best regards,
Gerard

" Support bacteria - they're the only culture some people have."
-Stephen Wright-

my two cents worth is that any type of surgery that could alter the optimal performance of the bowel could be dangerous for AS. i have no proof of this, but strongly believe that AS is gut related. any compromise to the digestive tract could create major problems.