Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Jejeunal bypass and alcohol absorption
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D.
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
 |
Jejeunal bypass and alcohol absorption
by SPSCCA, Feb 13, 2004 12:00AM
In 1990 I had undergone a jejeunal bypass, stomach stapling and esophagus banding for treatment of morbid obesity. I have lived with all the side effects of this operation including, but not limited to malabsorption and the lack of efficacy of ingested vitamins and supplements due to the bypassing of the intestine. My specific question/inquiry is this: I have noticed when I am out socially and have partaken in a few cocktails, I feel little to no effect while others around me seem to process (absorb) alcohol differently and they show symptoms of intoxication. I, however, do not seem as affected. The ONLY thing that comes to mind that would make me any "different" is the absorption factor as it affects every other aspect of consumption.
Can you please explain the absorption process, specifically as it may apply to alcohol consumption - and if I decide to have the procedure reversed, will this absorption abnormality on ALL levels continue to exist?
Thank you in advance for your assitance.
Can you please explain the absorption process, specifically as it may apply to alcohol consumption - and if I decide to have the procedure reversed, will this absorption abnormality on ALL levels continue to exist?
Thank you in advance for your assitance.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Feb 16, 2004 12:00AM
, Feb 16, 2004 12:00AM
The jejunum, with its long villi, large absorptive surface, highly concentrated digestive enzymes, and many transport carrier proteins, is the primary digestive and absorptive site for most nutrients. Thus, when the jejunum is resected, there is a temporary reduction in absorption of most nutrients. This reduction in absorption is compensed by adjustments in the ileum.
The ileum is capable of undergoing rather massive adaptation with significant growth in length and function of ileal villi. As a result, there is a gradual improvement in macronutrient absorption following jejunal resection as the ileum adapts.
In regards specficially to alcohol, it is unclear how jejunal bypass affects this. It is primarily metabolized by the liver - and obtaining liver function tests can help assess this. If you decided to have the procedure reversed, it may help with carbohydrate absorption, but the effects on alcohol absorption would be unclear.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
The ileum is capable of undergoing rather massive adaptation with significant growth in length and function of ileal villi. As a result, there is a gradual improvement in macronutrient absorption following jejunal resection as the ileum adapts.
In regards specficially to alcohol, it is unclear how jejunal bypass affects this. It is primarily metabolized by the liver - and obtaining liver function tests can help assess this. If you decided to have the procedure reversed, it may help with carbohydrate absorption, but the effects on alcohol absorption would be unclear.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Expert Activity
Related Expert Forums
Related Communities
Crohn
Crohn's Disease
Crohns
Digestive Process
Dry Skin
IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Stomach Ach
Sunburn
Ulcerative Colitis
abdominal pain
bowel
colitis
colon
crohn's
crohns disease
diarrhea
gallbladder
irritable
irritable bowel
large intestine
liver
nausea
pain
rectal bleeding
red skin
redness
stomach ache
stool
ulcerative
Communities
Ask a Doctor Forums
Tools and Applications
Personal Information
Medical Information
Doctors and Partners