Wide Open Stoma

I'm 27 months out and down to 213 from 325 (this puts me about 70 lbs overweight). My stoma is wide open, so there is no pouch control and what I eat never stisfies me. I read where Dr Cobean does some revisions and I would like to get in contact with anyone who has worked with him on this. My bypass was 45-50cm and I am physically unable to exercise, so my loss seems to have been a miracle. I'm a stickler for protein shakes and take all my meds and supplements, resulting in superb lab results. Does anyone have any suggestions? Nina in Maine

Nina, I am interested in your situation...my surgeon bypasses 150cm...why does yours chose to do so little? How have you lost pouch control in just 27 months? I'm not asking in a mean way I am just a little surprised and worried by that. I haven't heard of any other surgeon in the state doing revisions besides my surgeon- Dr Clough in Bangor. Sorry if this is coming across in a rude way but how is it exactly that you can't exercise? There must be something a PT (physical therapist) can put together for you to do...not only to lose weight but to maintain muscle. Let me know, Casey

Thanks for responding, Casey. By loss of pouch control I mean there is no functioning stoma (the area where the pouch is attached to the intestine) so basically it is a straight chute from my mouth down into my intestines. My pouch is fine except that there is no restriction at the junction with the intestine. This is not ALL that uncommon and many doctors are working on ways to correct it. As far as not exercising, I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (very bad name!) and I am limited energy available. Basic rule of thumb is to do half of what you feel you can do -- and even that doesn't always work. If I overdo one day I pay the next by being so tired I spend most of the day in bed, by necessity not choice. There are other symptoms but this is why I don't exercise. Lately I have had a rather good spell (after I had my second cataract removed) and I started walking. Aftr two weeks I was up to 1000 steps a day -- a major victory for me! But then the CFS kicked in and I've only been out one day and could only walk about 200 steps. I have had this for fourteen years and have mostly learned to live with it...mostly, I repeat. I get angry and frustrated sometimes but that only uses energy I can ill afford. I know, TMI. I have tried to answer you questions. Again, thanks for responding. Nina in Maine

Hi Nina, No, not too much information. It's always nice to learn something new. I am sorry you have such a debilitating illness. I had only thought that exercising might give you better muscle retention since with the surgery mainting muscle is one of the prime objectives. And in turn could help with energy. But I will do some research on your condition to learn more about it. Goodluck on finding a surgeon to help. I'm here if you need to talk. Casey