Stoma nickel sized?

Hey all, I have a concern. Dr. Hodges makes the opening larger than other doctors seem to. Im worried that food doesn't stay in my stomach long enough. He said scar tissue etc will shrink it to dime-sized, but I know lots of people get eraser sized openings. I feel like I can eat anything, and eat too much. I don't chew well enough unless I am forcing myself to concentrate on it because nothing gets stuck and the rules of the pouch aren't working for me because I'm not FORCED to work them. I know I should be firm with myself. But come on...why did I get to be obese in the first place? Because I couldn't discipline my eating habits. I feel so stressed. What if this doesn't work for me? Don't get me wrong. I trust Dr. Hodges. He's awesome, but I don't trust me. Just a THursday morning rant. No flames please. I can't deal with that today. Thanks for listening Tracey

Good morning Tracey. I wouldent worry about it too much. Dr Hodges is a very good surgeon and his patients have a lot of success. If anything having a too large stoma would promote more weight loss not less. The food would not stay in the pouch long enougth to be digested. You still have the malabsortive benifits that come with the pouch. You will HAVE TO discipline yourself onj the size of your portions. Even with a smaller stoma it is possible to overeat the pouch by grazing all day long. Just remember that the pouch is only a tool and like any tool it only works if we have the discipline to use it. Again try not to worry and do the things that you know you have to do to be a success. Wayne

Tracey, No flames here honey I'm sure you're concerned but, I never even asked or wondered about my stoma size...I've never had any post-op problems or concerns either. Come to the support group meeting in Springield on Monday!!! -Kelli

Hi Tracey, Honestly, this Board doesn't have room (or a place) for unnecessary flames. We're here for each other to offer friendship, support and encouragement in a positive, non-threatening with no preaching and put down ways! I completely understand your concern. From all my failures at dieting, I knew I was going to be the one person in the history of bariatric surgery that this would not work for. My picture would be in the bariatric surgery textbooks next to "failed". Guess what, it worked and still works after 4-1/2 years...and it absolutely will for you too. The surgery isn't a magic bullet and the responsibility for its success lies ultimately with you. However, just by your concern at this point in your post-op process shows me that you will do great. You don't have those concerns without the passion and ability to alleviate them too. Your past is your past and that is behind you. Don't compare your exciting, healthy future with your failed attempts at dieting. You have a new beginning ahead for you (okay, yes, I admit - that was also a shameless plug for our New Beginnings Support Group!). The surgery allows us to ditch the past habits that got us into trouble and create new, healthy ones that will support a happier, healthier, stronger YOU! I KNOW you will be a very successful, healthy, lighter post-op. Keep involved in ObesityHelp posting with us, go to our support group with its wonderful members, listen to your body with the goal of feeling strong inside and out. You're doing great. The only flames here are the ones you'll be leaving as you speed down the path of your healthy lifestyle! Cathy ObesityHelp Support Group Specialist