Having the procedure May 11th.  They will do a scope to see if my stoma has indeed stretched as they suspect, and if so, will do the procedure, which is injecting the stoma with an irritant to scar it up, making it shrink to the correct size.  It will hold the food in my pouch longer, thus making me feel full longer.  After this weight gain, I'm ready for it!  He said he wouldn't do a "revision" unless the actual pouch has stretched or there is a problem with it, mainly because it is so risky.  Any thoughts on this?  Anyway, just wanted to update you all.  Thanks, Theresa   

hi, i m very interested in seeing how this works for you, as I am in the same boat with the weight gain and i was 30lbs from goal, had surgery 4 yrs ago and am feeling like a wl failure,, good luck to you and cant wait to hear how your doing with the weight loss renee 

Hi Renee, I'll keep you posted.  I really think this procedure will "help" with making me feel full longer, which will help me, but I know the key to being successful will be following the pouch rules religeously again.  That's the bottom line, and I know it.  I still follow some...don't drink with meals or soon after, get my protein in, but the rest....getting in 64 oz. of water, exercising, and my biggest problem....SNACKING!!! ...AND ON THE WRONG THINGS!  That's the culprit for me.  But maybe feeling full longer will help in that dept.  

Again, I will post and let you know my outcome.  Say a prayer for me!!  We all know how difficult it can be! Theresa

Hello Theresa, How does one go about getting your dr to do a scope? I never reached my goal weight and just recently gained 20lbs like in one month. That's scary I don't exercise and eat all the wrong foods. I am looking to joining weigh****chers hopefully that can help me. Well good luck to you looking forward to hearing about the outcome. Rebecca

Hi Rebecca I'll tell you my story:  When I was 6 months post-op, I expressed my concerns to my surgeon on how much I could eat.  She said she could do a scope to find out why I could eat so much, but there wouldn't be any resolution to the problem--only an answer to ease my mind.  At that time I chose NOT to do the scope--I mean, why bother?  I would have had to miss work and pay money, but for what? Now with the sclerotherapy scope, at least if a problem exists (which I suspect ot may), there is potential for a resolution.   Just ask your surgeon--document how much you are eating, too--that may convince your surgeon to scope you.  It seems that all surgeons offer some sort of scope, but not all of them offer sclerotherapy--it seems to be quite rare,actually.  My surgeon is at a Bariatric Center of Excellency, and she never heard of it. Hope this info helps you. Diana

good luck on the procedure  Tema

Hi Theresa! I have my consult on 5/11 w/ Dr. Baker (makes me think of Little House on the Prarie's Doc Baker).  I'll be there with my husband (5 yrs. post RNY) and my 15 month old son---cutest little blondie you'd ever see!  If you see us, please come up and say HI!  If I don't see you, good luck! What should I expect at the consult (since I seem to be riding on your heels!).  I am still waiting on my surgeon's opinion of all this stuff.  She knows my procedure is scheduled for 5/25, but I'm hoping to hear from her soon. Keep us all posted on how it goes. Deeno

Hi Deeno, The appt. was fairly quick...He introduced himself, went thru the procedure with a picture, etc. and explained in detail what he would be doing.  He was adement about following the pouch rules as well....we know nothing will help without that.  But this procedure at least gets our stoma back to the correct size (in most cases), and gives us a jump start so we don't feel starved when the food falls right thru.  I'm really hopeful...I just keep praying about it!  Best of luck to you!  I hope to see you!  I have the three appts right in a row in the morning, starting with the behaviorist, nutritionist and then exercise dr., starting at 8am.  My procedure is scheduled at 2:45 pm.  It only takes 1/2 an hour.  Must have a ride home.   Best of luck to both of us! Theresa

So this scope you speak of is that the endoscope? What made your doc decide to do it? My doc never mentioned it the other day when I saw him. All he mentioned was doing a lapband revision after my RNY, but have to go through the insurance approval process, 6 month diet, have $4,000 to pay out of pocket (which can be very iffy) so not sure all that will work for me. You think I can call him and ask about it. Give me details please.

Karen

Yes, it's basically an endoscope, but then do the sclerotherapy while in there.  My Dr. said it is a procedure they are now using to shrink the stoma if it has stretched.  It's non-invasive.  Here's what I have on it...  Best of luck!  Theresa Sclerotherapy

The gastric bypass pouch works optimally when a small opening keeps food in the pouch for a longer period of time. However, in some patients, with the passage of time, the opening can enlarge slightly. Until recently, there was no procedure available to address this situation. However, a study published in the Obesity Surgery Journal demonstrated that when a procedure known as sclerotherapy (pronounced: sklare-o-therapy) is performed in conjunction with a consultation with a registered dietitian, the best weight loss results are obtained. How Sclerotherapy Works Sclerotherapy is an outpatient procedure available for gastric bypass patients who have a dilated (enlarged) opening in their pouch. The procedure may be helpful in preventing additional surgery and may assist the patient with continued weight loss. It involves injecting an irritant around the opening from the pouch to the intestines. The body then reacts to the irritant by constricting (decreasing) the opening. Who is Helped by Sclerotherapy? This procedure can be very helpful for patients who are 2 – 5 years post surgery and have lost a fair amount of weight, but continue to struggle with the sensation that they can eat more than they could immediately following surgery. The procedure involves having an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) to evaluate the size of the pouch opening. If the opening is deemed large, then the irritant can be applied to decrease its size. In some cases, it may take more than one application to get the opening to constrict to the desired size. If you have questions please call mmpc Michigan Weight Loss Specialists at 877-877-6672.