Expert: Jacqueline Jacques, ND - 11/15/2009

Question
Can a person who has crohns disease get gastric bypass surgery?

Answer
Hi Norma,

There is not a straight forward answer to this question.  Since Crohn's disease can be mild or severe and have a variable course, some people might be fine with a gastric bypass and others might not.  I think one challenge is not knowing how the disease is going to be in 10 or 20 years.  My personal suggestion would be to look at procedures such as a gastric band or a sleeve gastrectomy that don't alter the intestines and carry a much smaller risk for nutritional deficiency.  Most bariatric surgeons are also (or have been) general surgeons and they should be able to evaluate your health, consult with your gastroenterologist, and help you make a sound decision about this.  

Please let me know if you need more information.  

In Health,

Dr. Jacques