Question:
Can the Cottage Cheese Test indicate a staple line disruption?

If I do the cottage cheese test and I can eat more than 8 ounces, do you think it's because I have a SLD or enlarged stoma? I have to wait a month to get into see my surgeon to ask if I can be scoped and I'm going nuts thinking something is wrong with my pouch because there are times I can eat what I think is alot...I was thinking this test might help determine something...any thoughts?    — [Anonymous] (posted on February 19, 2002)

February 19, 2002
I wouldn't worry too much. Most surgeons don't even do the type of RNY where you can have a staple line disruption anymore. Most transect the pouch entirely now. I would be worried only if I could eat more than 8 oz. of chicken at a time, which I can't.
   — Terissa R.

February 19, 2002
I don't think the cottage cheese test can detect a disruption. I had a disruption and I kept eating cottage cheese until it came out my ears! I didn't get full. Now since I have been fixed and transected, I can eat about 1/2 cup and then feel like throwing up. I couldn't really tell I had a disruption except for the fact that I didn't lose any wt for 3 mos! I had to have an upper GI to really see it. I had no other symptoms. First question to ask if you suspect a disruption.....are you transected? If not, then there is always a possibility of a staple line disruption. Unfortunate for many but it happens. It can be fixed with another surgery. Not fun but I am glad I did it. If you are transected, then you probably don't have a disruption. The chances are almost nil of that happening if transected. Do you ever experience any acid/heartburn? I did have a slight aftertaste when I disrupted. I noticed it because I had not had any heartburn for 6 months and then I did notice a little bit of acid return. Don't drive yourself crazy. If there is a problem it is not your fault. I did nothing to "cause" it. It is just a mechanical failure of not being transected. Revisions are a lot easier than the original surgery! I would never have rny now if the doctor didn't transect. Most surgeons are transecting these days.
   — Marilyn C.