Stomaphyx Reviews

Awhile back, I posted a survey for people to fill out who HAVE HAD stomaphyx.  Below our the results so far based on 16 responses.  If you have had stomaphyx, and it has been at least 2 weeks since your procedure, please fill it out - it's completely anonymous and quick.  I want to write a follow up one for people who are two months or more out - please feel free to suggest questions.  thanks! http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=MjqLnJ5mEKiaICIjSzVbhw _3d_3d Results as of November 20

1. When did you have your original RNY or other weight loss surgery?
		Response Percent	Response Count
less than 2 years ago		12.5%	2
2-5 years ago		31.3%	5
6-8 years ago		31.3%	5
9 or more years ago		25.0%	4
	answered question		16
	skipped question		0

2. How successful was your original surgery/how close did you get to goal?
		Response Percent	Response Count
reached or passed my goal		25.0%	4
within 10% of goal (example - within 10 lbs if you were aiming to lose 100)		12.5%	2
within 11-25% of goal		31.3%	5
between 25 and half way to goal		18.8%	3
less than half way to goal		12.5%	2
	answered question		16
	skipped question		0

3. How much weight did you REGAIN since your lowest post-WLS weight?
		Response Percent	Response Count
0-10 lbs		12.5%	2
10-25 lbs		12.5%	2
25-50 lbs		31.3%	5
50-75 lbs		31.3%	5
more than 75 lbs		12.5%	2
	answered question		16
	skipped question		0

4. If you had an upper GI or endoscopic exam before having stomaphyx, what did it show?
		Response Percent	Response Count
enlarged pouch		14.3%	2
enlarged stoma		21.4%	3
both enlarged stoma and pouch		21.4%	3
I don't know/didn't have an exam that shows		42.9%	6
	answered question		14
	skipped question		2

5. How long ago did you have your stomaphyx procedure?
		Response Percent	Response Count
less than 2 weeks ago		18.8%	3
2-3 weeks ago		18.8%	3
between one and two months ago		50.0%	8
two or more months ago		12.5%	2
I didn't have it		0.0%	0
	answered question		16
	skipped question		0

6. Which surgeon performed your procedure?
		Response Percent	Response Count
Dr. Pamela E. Foster		0.0%	0
Dr. Jeffrey E. Friedman		0.0%	0
Dr. Shawn M. Garber		20.0%	3
Dr. Spencer Adam Holover		0.0%	0
Dr. Jeffrey Lee Lord		0.0%	0
Dr. Laura Machado		0.0%	0
Dr. John A. Mason Jr.		0.0%	0
Dr. Dean J. Mikami		0.0%	0
Dr. Ninh Nguyen		0.0%	0
Dr. C. Joe Northup		0.0%	0
Dr. William Todd Overcash		46.7%	7
Dr. Paresh K. Rajajoshiwala		0.0%	0
Dr. Bruce D. Schirmer		0.0%	0
Dr. Eric S. Schlesinger		26.7%	4
Dr. Scott A. Shikora		0.0%	0
Dr. Robert G. Snow		0.0%	0
Dr. Brad Snyder		0.0%	0
Dr. Albert Wetter		6.7%	1
Dr. Erik B. Wilson		0.0%	0
	answered question		15
	skipped question		1

7. Did you stick to the eating guidelines after your procedure? Clear liquids 1-2 weeks, only liquids for 3 weeks, etc?
		Response Percent	Response Count
yes, very closely		68.8%	11
yes, but I tried things I shouldn't have		18.8%	3
no, I couldn't stick with the guidelines		6.3%	1
I wasn't given any guidelines		6.3%	1
	answered question		16
	skipped question		0

8. How much weight did you lose in the first 2 weeks only?
		Response Percent	Response Count
0-3 lbs		12.5%	2
4-8 lbs		12.5%	2
9-12 lbs		43.8%	7
13 or more lbs		31.3%	5
	answered question		16
	skipped question		0

9. Do you feel "full" after eating semisoft foods?
		Response Percent	Response Count
yes		37.5%	6
somewhat		31.3%	5
no		31.3%	5
I'm not eating soft foods yet		0.0%	0
	answered question		16
	skipped question		0

10. Overall, how would you rate the success of the procedure?
		Response Percent	Response Count
I'm completely satisfied		25.0%	4
I'm fairly satisfied		31.3%	5
I have mixed feelings		12.5%	2
I'm somewhat disappointed		6.3%	1
I'm very disappointed		25.0%	4
	answered question		16
	skipped question

Thanks for the results.  Now tell us your personal results.  Did Dr Overcash do yours? How do you feel?  How much had you gained?  How much have you lost? Thanks for the report.   Patricia

My procedure was done by Dr. Wetter.  I was one of his first patients and he was very up front about that.  The upper Gi I had before the procedure showed my pouch was about the same as it was after my RNY in 2000, but my stoma was enlarged.  For me, the procedure has not worked.  I've followed up with Dr Wetter a couple of times and he is confident he can improve the results.  The challenge is that this procedure and the tool used to do it are new.  I think it is easier to do if there is more pouch tissue to work with.  In my case, my Dr did not want to leave me with too small of a pouch which could result in damage to the esophagus over time.  He said he'd refer me to someone else if I wanted but wants to go in again in a couple months when he has had more experience with the tool and the tissue is fully healed.  I was fortunate that insurance paid part and the second revision should not have a cost for me.  I'm still down the 8-10 lbs I lost from the liquid diet, but I do not get full, so I know food is sliding through still.

I am so sorry that the procedure did not work.  About a year and a half ago, my surgeon did an upper GI which showed my pouch about the right size, but my stoma was about the size of a quarter and it should be about the size of a dime.  Who knows it might be larger now.  So far my surgeon is not into doing revisions.   I heard Dr Overcash at an OH conference in Atlanta.  I was impressed with him and the procedure.  He is located in Ocala, FL.  I will probably have one some time in the future, but i rather not travel to have it done, but I might. My lowest weight was 125 and I am up to 135 now.  I am scared to death of gaining the weight back--my pants are getting tight.  I am hungery all the time.  I mostly live on protein drinks.  I exercise about five days a week--walking, power and spinning classes.  But I still am gaining weight.  If and when you try again, pls let me know how it works out. I am wishing the best for you. Patricia            

Are there any doctors in IL that are doing the Stomaphyx? if so please let me know. Lana

Lana, I do not know about any doctor except the one in FL.  Probably if you post on the board, someone else will know.  Patricia   

Hi there Lana, I know if you go to www.endogastricsolutions.com that they were posting a list of all of the certified surgeons with their contact information. If not, I know Dr. Schlesinger in Phoenix does phone consults. Good luck!