Scope

I had my 3 month follow up with the surgeon today and let them know that I have been throwing up at on average of once a week and usually average 50 grams of protein a day.  (The nutritionist wants 70 - 90)  Currently I can only physically eat about 2 ozs at a time and according to the NUT guidelines could eat as much as 3 ozs.  However when I talked to the NUT she said eating 2 ozs. 3 times a day is okay.   (They do not want me to snack.)

Anyway when I mentioned that I was throwing up the Physician's Assistant said "Have we scoped you yet?"  One thing that bothered me is that it sounded like they scope most of their patients - not sure if that was the intent of her question - but I said no and asked why she would want to do that.  She replied that my "opening" may be too small.  What opening is she referring to - one that my food enters or the opening where my pouch empties?  I really don't want to be scoped because I don't want to be able to eat more food  - that scares me.

I have lost not quite 80 lbs. since 04/23/08 and would like to have lost more - but don't think that being able to eat more is the answer.  I did get orders for labwork and plan on getting that done on Friday.  Is my weight loss on schedule?  I probably need to lose a total of 220 pounds.

Any suggestions?  Is it okay for me to just plug along like I am doing or should I be concerned that she mentioned scoping me?  She didn't insist on it when I told her that I didn't want it done and said that they would monitor me for the next 3 months as well as look at my labs.

P.S.  If they scope me this is done as an outpatient procedure correct?  Do I have to drink anything?

Thanks for your responses in advance.

The scope that I'm thinking your talking about is a tube they put down your throat while your under sometimes a conscious sedation (Versed, etc.) and they dilate your esophagus so things go down better, smoother....It doesn't go down to your pouch to dilate it, but, I have read on here that sometimes they do stretch the stomach if it's too small. You need to call the office to verify what you were told.
I'm having VSG, so most of my stretchy will be gone. Haven't heard of anyone getting "stretched" with the VSG anyway. I don't know ALL the details about RNY. My friend had RNY and my info comes from her.
Hopefully everything will work itself out for you. You've already came so far don't give up not even for a min. Maybe someone will get to you and give you better info. I'm a Dialysis nurse so I don't know too aweful much about the stomach.. LMAO...still learning...

I had an upper endoscopy ("scope") done as I was having some problems.  Mainly what they are looking at is the opening that leaves the pouch.  Some people build up extra scar tissue or sometimes the opening is a bit too tight after the surgeon finishes sewing everything up.  They go down with the scope and measure the diameter of the opening.  If it is too small, they can dilate the opening a bit.  This is kinda like angioplasty, where they use a little balloon to stretch it.   When I had it done, the gastroenterologist said that they rarely do the dilation.  Only if it doesn't meet specs, which are determined by the surgeon.

If you are regularaly vomiting, it really is advised that you get this checked out, as long term vomiting can be bad for your esophagus. I can tell you that the procedure is a piece of cake.  You go into a twilight sleep (they put Versed and usually Demerol into an I.V.) and then you wake up.  You need someone to drive you home.  Then you get a great night of sleep.

I'd like to put forth some other ideas, though, for your vomiting.  A big culprit could be eating too fast or eating too big of bites.  Have you logged when you vomit against what you ate (and how quickly you ate it)?  If you aren't keeping a food journal, this would be an excellent way to see if there is a pattern.  Are you lactose intolerant?  Maybe it is a certain type of food.  

I hope this helps.  Just remember that you probably got this surgery to become healthier, and vomiting regularly is not healthy, so I sure hope you are able to get this worked out. 

Let us know if you have any questions...

Dawn

They need to scope to check for a stricture. I've had 3 and it's no big deal. It's an in n out thing. They put you in a twilight sleep and you wake up very quickly and as soon as you get dressed you can leave. For me the relief was instant, suddenly no more throwing up, it was wonderful.

The worst part for me is the IV - I HATE IV'S!

Best wishes to you.