Gastric Bypass After Ulcers: Is It Safe for You?

Question
I am a severely overweight 52 year old woman (215 pounds) and I am wondering if gastric bypass surgery is a good option for me.  I have had two bleeding duodenal ulcers, 10 years apart, which were remedied with endoscopic procedures.  I am also asthmatic, but otherwise in good health--no heart or blood pressure issues.  Is bariatric surgery an option for someone who has had a ulcer in the past?

Answer
Lisa,
I think it would be OK to do a gastric bypass in your case, though we would have a potential problem of not being able to reach the key area with a scope after the surgery.  I believe a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy would be a preferred option because of your ulcer history.  Following a sleeve operation, there would be no problem reaching the duodenum by scope in case there is a future question of ulcer in that area.

Best of luck!
Dr JP