Fistula?

Anyone ever have a fistula - a tear in your incision?  I'm 4 years out and just found out I have one between my pouch and my old stomach.  I've been gaining weight, and this is one of the reasons why. I'd love to get any information I can about this - I can't find much info online. Thanks in advance, Kathy Bilodeau

Hi Kathy,

I am not familiar with this, but I wish you all the best in getting this repaired and back on track..

Thank you - I appreciate your support. Kathy

Wow Kathy, I have not heard thta mentioned for a looooong time.  It sometimes happens when some one is not transected. Hope everything works out ok. MaryLyn

Well, the way I understand the surgery I had, the stomach was separated from the pouch while simultaneously inserting 2 rows of staples -- one on each (there may have been more than 1 row each side -- but it definately happened in one action).  I would assume that means I was transected.  However, it then does not make sense to me how the food is going into the "old" stomach.  To say the least, I'm very confused.  Thanks for the info. Kathy

I should have mentioned, it can happen even if you are transected.  Happened to a woman in my old support group. Best wishes.

I googled Fistula gastric bypass and found a good bit of info.  You might try that if you haven't already.

I didn't try that - and of course, that seems like the logical thing to do.  Instead, I searched for it on OH - thinking it would contain the best information - but there was very little. Thanks again

Yes I have heard of it happening.  Your stomach builds a bridge from the pouch to the blind stomach effectively undoing your RNY.  You will need a revision in order to correct it....i'm not sure, but I think one of the DS women was a revision from the RNY for that very reason....or it could have been an old staple line disruption....i can't remember. Scott