One Kidney vs WLS

Question
Hi Dr Pilcher
I am 43 years old with BMI of 46. In 06 I lost my left kidney due to Renal cell carsonima I could only have explory surgury due to size of the mass and to check my other organs . I'm in the process of researching WLS and am leaning towards VSG, if my insurance will cover it. This is my choice because of the foreign object concern with the lapband.  But if my insurance does not cover the VSG. Would the RNY be to invacive due to possible protein  issues with one kidney? or Reoccuring anemia issues?

Answer
Angela,
This is a sensible question.  It's a fact that when an organ system is weakened (for example, by removing one kidney) that the chance of problems from surgery may be higher.

However, news is mostly good on this for you.  As long as no other complex medical issues come into play, your surgeon should be able to bring you through gastric bypass with acceptable risk.  In my experience, lower protein intake after gastric bypass has not been a significant problem for patients with renal insufficiency, and the long term benefits of reduced weight are much more significant.

Best of luck!
Dr JP

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