Strange operations.

Last night I heard that obese people have surgeries done to remove their stomachs in order to lose weight. The stomach is removed, and the digestive system bypasses that area, so the body doesn't store nearly as much fat. The biggest downside is that they can't eat what they want, or how much they want anymore.

Now I found this very strange, because I thought the stomach was a vital organ. So the discussion is, what kind of operations did you hear of that made you say "They did what?".

The stomach isn't all that important. All it does is begin the digestion of proteins and the small intestine can take care of that (like it handles most of the digestive process in general). Like my biology teacher says, you can easily without a stomach. Whether it's actually worth it to get rid of it in order to lose some weight... Well, that's another matter entirely.

Originally Posted by Offler

The stomach isn't all that important. All it does is begin the digestion of proteins and the small intestine can take care of that (as well as most of the digestive process in general). Like my biology teacher says, you can easily without a stomach. Whether it's actually worth it to get rid of it in order to lose some weight... Well, that's another matter entirely.

I've known for a long time that there are other parts of the digestive system. I just though the stomach was an integral part.

Apparently it's not. I would think that your body would need some time to adjust to it. But what would fill the space that the stomach took up? Some type of filler?

I didnt think that they removed it completely, I mean the stomach is the place where some of the food is degraded I thought (that bio class is long gone). I think the operation you are referring to only takes out part of the stomach to make it smaller (much smaller) so that people dont need as much food to fill em up. Pretty grotesque regardless

Yes, my teacher had that. Her stomach can only hold a fixed amount of food or something >_>

I've heard about this.
In relation to the stomach one, I'm pretty sure they 'staple' the stomach and reduce it's size, so only a portion of the food can be held in the stomach.

I laughed at the one where a guy had his penis replaced with a finger.

Prehensile manhood? Imagine the possibilities.

Originally Posted by Jodd

I laughed at the one where a guy had his penis replaced with a finger.

Prehensile manhood? Imagine the possibilities.

I haerd about that. Very strange.

Originally Posted by Jodd

I laughed at the one where a guy had his penis replaced with a finger.

Is that possibe?

Having your stomach removed to lose weight? Well, people will go to any extremes I guess. Except the extreme of getting off the couch and exercising. That's just criminal.

Originally Posted by The Great Panda

Having your stomach removed to lose weight? Well, people will go to any extremes I guess. Except the extreme of getting off the couch and exercising. That's just criminal.

I think it was designed for people so heavy that it's dangerous, like 800 pounds, and they can't even walk. Of course, now other people are doing it too.

Can someone provide a link to the story of the man who replaced his private area with a finger (no pictures please)? I'm finding that hard to believe.


More on topic, someone once, for scientific research, removed the head of a dog and successfully connected it to another dog, both heads alive. Although it died after just a few days.

Originally Posted by Noscreenname

Can someone provide a link to the story of the man who replaced his private area with a finger (no pictures please)? I'm finding that hard to believe.

I have attempted to search for the story, but with no luck. Actually, plenty of luck. Just not the kind of luck I'm looking for.

...The things I've seen... o_o


Anyway, I saw it on a documentary. If anyone's feeling brave, search it for us.

Originally Posted by Offler

The stomach isn't all that important. All it does is begin the digestion of proteins and the small intestine can take care of that (like it handles most of the digestive process in general). Like my biology teacher says, you can easily without a stomach. Whether it's actually worth it to get rid of it in order to lose some weight... Well, that's another matter entirely.

Stomach also creates some types of acid like gastro acid, etc, that will trigger other parts of your digestive system to make you feel hungry when you need to eat. Without the stomach, you'd have to have a timer to remind you that you must eat. Otherwise you'd be starved to death.

I can't remember all the biological terms. It's been years. Still, I know for a fact that ones who have something like half of their stomach removed due to cancer, etc, need to be reminded that they have to eat throughout the day.

So stomach is very important.

To all the folks saying that the stomach isn't important:

My chemistry/science teacher came to class the other day raving about a new study, about how your brain isn't the only nervous epicentre of your body. She said that there are sensory nerves in your stomach that control different parts of your body.. or.. send messages to your brain or something like that. >>;

She said "That's why when you are worried, you feel 'sick to your stomach'."

I can't remember entirely, I'll have to ask her about it. :/

But apparently, the stomach is a very important part of your body. I don't think they can just remove it like that.

My grandpa had cancer on his espohagus(sp?) and they removed the whole esophagus. He had to be fed through a tube for 18 hours a day for several weeks. Now, he can eat 6 ounces of normal food a day. That's it.

He's getting better though!