Talked with Surgeon...

...about Sclerotherapy procedure.  Am going in on May 11th for it.  They will do a scope to see if my stoma has indeed stretched as they suspect, and if so, will do the procedure.  It will hold the food in my pouch longer, thus making me feel full longer.  After this weight gain, I'm ready for it!  Just wanted to update you all.  Thanks, Theresa   

Hi Theresa,  I am really interested to know more about this procedure. And if this is not to personal how much did you gain back. I started at 385 and loss down to 230 but have gained back up to 280. I am happy that I loss but really wanted to get under 200. I would love to know more about this surgery.  I would really appreciate any advice you could give. Thank you in advance.. Lisa

Wow!  I often wondered about this!  I always think that the food is going right through past my pouch and on into my "guts" due to an enlarged stoma. I really think thats happening to me. Because I swear some of the amount of food I eat doesn't seem possible that it would hold that much, and I'm talking about like chicken and solid food that would stay not chips and stuff that pass right through. I also feel like...when I do eat more food that it burns later on but not burning in the pouch. That doesn't happen all the time though. But Honestly, I swear it goes right through. Very few times do I feel as if my pouch is full. Is this how you felt? How much can you eat?   Elizabeth M :wave: 

Hi Elizabeth, Yes, that is how I've been feeling for quite some time now.  I rarely feel full, and yes, I can eat much more than I could initially, and granted, I know we're not supposed to "see" how much we can eat, but let's just say it built up a little at a time.  I can eat a whole sandwich at a sitting.  If it's something soft, like chili, I can eat a big bowl full!  It's aweful, but I've cut everything back so I'm not eating as much...just because I can, I know that I shouldn't.  But boy, do I sure miss the restricted feeling that we had early in the program.   So, I go in on the 11th, they will scope me, look around and if my stoma has stretched like they suspect, they will do the sclerotherapy to shrink it.  I am hoping that does the trick for me.  If you want info on this, just let me know. Have a great day, and best of luck to you...you are not alone! Hugs, Theresa 

Hi Theresa, I think I wrote you before, didn't I, about the scleratherapy. I did ask the gal at my surgeon's office and she said to check with a "vein doctor". My surgeon doesn't do it, aw shucks. I also read it is not the end all cure for failed weight loss or gain, you still have to work with it, and that it may not work. Let me know please how it goes. I am scared that if I do get it done, will this work or not.  With my new insurance, I have to pay more out of pocket and that is scary too. I don't have "extra" money to pay for out of pocket. Karen

Hi Karen,  It's funny, I talk t so many people on here too, that sometimes it's hard to know who we've talked to about what!:lol:  But that's okay!:-)   When I first heard of this procedure, I started searching the net about "Sclerotherapy", and all that would pop up was treatment for vein issues...vericose vains, etc.  And I think typically that's what it has been used for in whatever way.   And you are absolutely right...it is NOT the cure all and end all to failed weight loss or gain....there is no way around getting back on track eating correctly and of course exercising.  Let's face it...eating right and exercise = WEIGHT LOSS.  No two ways about it.  But I'm hoping this procedure will make me at least feel some sort of fullness or satisfaction after I eat something and stick with me for a while, therefore keeping me from nibbling all the time.  I have been pro-active lately...I got out my weigh****cher books and started counting points again, as well as starting a walking group in our WLS support group, so I am down about 7 lbs already!  You may ask, "Well, why don't you just keep doing that and forget the procedure?"  Well, I have thought of that actually....I keep  asking myself that, but it always comes back to this....If the stoma is stretched, it needs to be fixed.  It's like a "tune-up" on the pouch.  If the elastic's gone in a pair of pants, it doesn't work well...they keep falling down.  If you fix it, or put new elastic in them, then they stay up, good as new!  I'm anxious to know how my pouch and stoma are doing.  I've never been scoped, and I'd like to know how things are faring.  I'm hoping this will be another tool to help me along.  I know about 90% of this Dr.'s procedures are successful, so it's not a possitive thing, but I'm willing to give it a go at those odds.  Luckily, my insurance will pay for it all.   I will definitely let you know how it goes!  Keep me in your prayers, if you will! Hugs, Theresa   

Best Wishes, Theresa.  I hope and pray this is the answer for you.

Thanks Starry!  You've been a great support!  I'm hoping this does the trick.  Hugs, Theresa

I FOUND THIS SITE SERCHING FOR SCLEROTHERAPY ON NET AND FOUND YOUR REMARK I DONT HAVE INSURANCE AND ONLY FOUND ONE DR IN NEW YORK, I LIVE IN SOUTH TX BUT AM INTERESTED. HOW DID IT GO?   HOW MUCH IS IT? THANX,