Question:
What questions should I ask my DR regarding stretched stoma since upper GI shows...

that nothing stays in my pouch. The radiologist said that my pouch empties instantly. My pouch is still small but he couldn't give me a size. I see the new Dr. Monday what questions should I ask him? Should I be looking to see if they can decrease the opening of my stoma or do a longer by-pass? From what I have read trying to fix a stoma has a lot of risk and little success involved which is why most Dr's won't do it. I remember reading a while ago some Dr. was trying to scar the stoma by burning it with a laser has anyone else heard of this?    — Candace F. (posted on October 10, 2003)

October 10, 2003
Candace: I wish I had some answers for you, but it sounds like you know as much or more than me. I hadn't heard of anyone trying to scar the stoma with a laser, but it sounds interesting. Please, if you find out anything new let me know too? Thanks, Sherry
   — sherry hedgecock

October 10, 2003
Just wait and see what he offers as a solution and make sure you understand what he wants to do and why before you leave his office. Ultimately you have to live with whatever is done for the rest of your life. Personally I would seek 2 opinions before I made a decision.
   — zoedogcbr

October 10, 2003
Hi, I also have a large stoma and my doctors going to do another ugi... There's nothing they say that can fixx it which sux. You can check out Justin Glynn's profile, he has a large stoma too and see in his journal posts what he says. Basically what has helped me is getting in at least 60grams of protein and 60oz of water every day and then I eat one small meal, but I'm still hungry so I just try to get my mind off of it or drink water. My doctor told me to drink as much water as I could 15 min. before I ate anything. So you're not alone, we are just unlucky ones. It IS POSSIBLE to still reach your goal weight and lose just try to stay positive. I know it is hard cuz I could if I let myself eat as much pre op as post op. Good Luck.
   — Tabatha W.

October 10, 2003
Candice - please email at [email protected] I tried to email you direct but it wouldnt let me
   — star .

October 10, 2003
I posted a letter from Carol A near the end of my profile which discusses this problem. It is truly interesting and to the point.
   — faybay

October 11, 2003
You might want to ask if it would be possible to put a silastic ring or lap-band around the pouch. I've heard that this is not always an option, but I've heard of it being attempted occasionally, so it can't hurt to ask. Good luck. I am sure this is a very frustrating thing to deal with after all you've been through.
   — K M.

October 11, 2003
I also have this problem. If you look at my question on 10/9 you will see my question with lots of good answers! I don't know if they can put a ring after the fact but I know they can do the lap band. It is kind of a new thing but it is becoming more frequent. Let me know if possible what you find out. I need to know what to do also!
   — Kristi A.