Help finding a doc to do sclerotherapy

Hello...I am in central IL and have been struggling with regain. I had an endoscopy last year which indicated small pouch but enlarged stoma. I have not gained all of my weight back after losing 140 lbs, however I am up 30 lbs and never reached my goal. My surgery was in August of 2001. My surgeon does not believe that my regain is due to the stoma size, and feels that I am a success and have experienced the *foreshadowed* regain that most wls folks experience. I disagree. I have followed his instructions to the letter and have since Jan 3 lost a mere ten pounds. I am always hungry. Always. I drink gallons of water, follow all the post op instructions and supplement with protein and vits. I am seeking help in finding a surgeon who will do the sclerotherapy procedure to see if this will get me back on track. I am on Medicare with CIGNA as my supplementary insurance. Can anyone help me find a doctor who can help me? There is no one locally, but I am willing to travel a reasonable way to fix this problem. Dennise Central IL

Dennise - I believe I have the same problem as you. There is a doctor that makes the stoma smaller by stitching it - his name is Christopher C. Thompson - Brigham and Women's Hospital/Division of Gastroenterology - 75 Francis Street, Boston, ma 02114 Phone; (617) 732-7426. I haven't had the upper GI yet - have an appt on 4/28/05 and calling every day for a cancellation. I have a question - what did you tell the md doing the upper GI? Was he specifically looking for an enlarged stoma? I had an upper GI over a year ago before I was even aware that this could be the problem. The surgeon who did my original surgery ordered the test and never ever said anything to me about this, which has really upset me. Anyway, I understand this Dr. has a waiting list and if I have to I also will travel to MA to see him. I hope this helps you.

Hi Nancy...I had the endoscopy as I was having some pain behind the breast bone, and pcp thought it was ulcers or gall bladder. The gastro guy was familiar with wls but not an expert. I had an upper GI which didn't show anything so we had a endoscopy. I asked him after the scope if my pouch was still intact and he said yes, the pouch was small but the stoma was "very large". I knew then why I was always hungry, and didn't stay satisifed after a meal and never met my goal wt. My surgeons office said pouches do stretch over time as do the stomas and I obviously had grazed to make my weight go up. I have heard about the doctor in Boston as I have a sister there, but I really can't afford the trip right now. I have found a doctor in Grand Rapids MI and someone just contacted me about a doc in Milwaukee. Thanks for the info on the Boston guy...I wish you luck. No one ever warned me about an enlarged stoma...kinda upsets me too. Dennise

Hi, I haven't been on here in ages. I had my surgery in 2000. It was a gastric bypass without vb. I have the same problem with the stoma. I never reached a "non-obese" bmi. I saw my surgeon but was told there was no-one doing anything locally (springfield,MA area) to correct an enlarged stoma. I was even wondering if a doc would do a lapband. I have posted and looked everywhere to see what people are doing. I was kind of releived to read your post. It seemed to me I was the only one. I never had dumping syndrom and I can eat and drink anything. I am now getting where I was before as far as appetite. Yikes, it is very stressful. I did lose a lot of weight due to the bypass and am very grateful for the surgery, however, having the same compulsive habits come back is a real worry. If anyone knows of any info that would be helpful I am very grateful! Thanks, marie

I would also love to find out if anyone knows of a doctor locally for me (Bay Area, California) who can do the endoscopic stitching of the enlarged stoma. I had a RnY in February of 2001 and have since regained 30 lbs of the 110 I lost. I am positive that that is my problem as well since all of what everyone on this post describes, is me exactly! Can someone refer me to someone locally? Many thanks, Mari

Thanks for the info on the Boston Doctor. I am in MA and if need be would call him. I made an appointment with a local doctor that does lap band. I was thinking that perhaps it would help me in this situation. I have a friend that is a registered nurse and she said it is minimally invasive. I'm frankly afraid of having much done as my surgery was very long and I was out of it for three days in the hospital. Anesthesia must not have agreed with me. I found out that the stoma was enlarged because my gastro doc was doing an endoscope for GERD and I asked him to check to see if the pouch was enlarged. I did not know anything about stomas enlarging, however, I suspect mine was large to begin with as I was able to eat quite a lot early on. However, the bypass portion was helping me to lose. I am gaining now though, in spite of meds, etc. Good luck to all. I will let you know if I the appt. for the lapband goes well. Not sure if it would be a revision or what. Thanks for all the shared info. Appreciate it.

Know this in an old post but did you ever find anyone to do the sclerotherapy?? I too am in IL. Any details appreciated. Angela

Any one have luck on a doctor for this? I too just found out I have an enlarged stoma. Thanks