Question:
Can You Stretch Your Stoma?
I can eat a lot, easily. Everything just seems to go right down and I never feel full. I am worried that my stoma may be too big. Can that happen? I used to get full so I don't think it's always been that way. Should I ask for a scope? Does anyone have any experience with this? Thanks! — jen41766 (posted on February 20, 2003)
February 20, 2003
The stoma can relax, yes. But YOU didn't do it to yourself. The body will
do everything it can to normalize itself. Everything. Disrupt the staple
line, create fistula, etc & etc. UGI or scope will show it.
— vitalady
February 20, 2003
If you're overly concerned, I'd get a scope. Were you transected? That
takes away the possibility of staple line disruption and ability to eat
more. But how much is ALOT, persay? 6 months is usually the mark where
people gain back their hunger and can eat a little more (I think you are 6
months post-op from your profile). I'm 8 1/2 months post-op and now have an
appetite and can eat more. Your stomach will slowly stretch a little over
time, but that is normal. We have to in order to eventually maintain our
weight, otherwise we'd eat so little and waste away, right!? I think what
you're feeling is pretty normal, as long as you aren't eating like 4 slices
of pizza or a king size meal at McD's- that would be alot. But eating more
than you were at say 3 months post-op- that's normal! I'm not really sure
what is a good amount- i eat about 3oz per meal, i know many eat more than
that, and that's not a bad thing, either. have you tried measuring your
food? I know sometimes i think I am eating so much, but then I measure it,
and its only a few ounces- you may be surprised! goodluck to you, i'm sure
you will be okay. But like I said, if you are very concerned, can't hurt to
get it checked out!
— Lezlie Y.
February 20, 2003
I also believe my stoma has been opened too big. I was in the hospital
about 3 years ago, and they did an EGD. The gastroenterologist knew about
my surgery. I am also a nurse, so I have no excuse. When I was discharged
from the hospital, I got on the computer, and found out she should have
used the scope that is used to do a colonoscopy for pediatric patients. I
can eat as much food as I could before surgery. I swore I would never diet
again, but I am also eating those words!!! I had gained 40# and lost 10. I
still get pain when I eat, so I do have a warning to stop eating. It is
just I am hungry most of the time, and never feel full. I have thought
about having my stoma closed more, but I really am not up to having another
surgery. If I could find someone to do it on an outpatient basis, or
through the EGD, I would have it done. In case you are wondering, I got
down to 115#, and almost died. I am now 145#, and ofcourse I feel fat!!!
Good Luck, and God Bless -- Let me know how you solve your situation --
— CohenHeart
February 20, 2003
From what I understand through research , yes our stoma can streatch, but
the cardia can not. Check out MSO.com and they will give you a graphic
description of what I am speaking of. I am still pre-op, but am doing
research. I would definately make an appointment w/ your doctor if you are
concerned. My theory is " That is why he/she is there" To answer
your questions and help you through this. I hope this was helpful and hope
that everything goes well for you. Good Luck!
— Nickie C.
February 20, 2003
I had a scope just 3 weeks ago for an ulcer. When I asked my Dr how my
pouch looked, he said it was "really small." He said,though that
my stoma was quite large and that when I ate it just went right through my
stomach directly to my intestines.
— Robby E.
February 21, 2003
Jennifer, I am 6mos out and have been worried about this too. I emailed my
dtr 2 wks ago and asked for a scope and a revision b/c I ate (GASP!) a
WHOLE McD's Quarter Pounder w/ Cheese. Here is his response: "Your
weight loss is on schedule. The earliest sign of a structural problem
with the surgery is rapid weight GAIN. The reality is that your pouch does
stretch. This is normal. The bypass protects you from absorbing excessive
calories." Good Luck to you. Heather (Open RNY 8/15 - 305/210/150)
— heathercross
February 21, 2003
I have a concern very similar to yours. I don't have any pain, but I wonder
if my pouch is stretched or too big now that I was dilated because it was
too small and I couldn't keep anything down. Now it seems like unless I use
a little common sense and STOP eating, I'd still have room to continue. I
don't get full either, and that's frightening to me. Thought I'd see what
your responses were since no one wanted to respond to mine. Each of us is
different, and our "tools" affect us differently. I don't know
about asking for a scope, since I really am not sure what to do or what to
expect right now. This is what I've tried to get some of the other *family
members* to understand, rather than simply ignoring my question...Thanks
for listening.
— yourdivaness
Click Here to Return