Question:
Im 15 mo post op and have a stretched stoma. What will this mean for me?

Will I be able to ever feel full without overeating and filling the intestine then the pouch? Can I maintain what I have lost or will I just end up regaining? Anyone else have a stretched stoma and still be successful?    — cherokey55 (posted on February 3, 2004)

February 3, 2004
After 6 years (Feb, Fri 13th, 1998) I would imagine mine has been streched out as well. I think as long as you stay determined to not gain the weight then you won't. I have gained 13 pounds over the last 3 years, but I am still happy. I know if I got off my lazy butt and exercised, I could get it right back off. Really, you get out of it what you put in it. I know if I go back to liquids for a day or so, it really seems to shrink things back up really well. Remember, it's a tool. I'm sure you will do fine. I really get alot of help off obesityhelp. Keep tuning in and keep determined. Best of luck to you and keep us posted! Melissa :)
   — issymudd

February 3, 2004
Hi Terri: There's a few things you can consider. One woman here with a stretched stoma has gotten a band to counteract her surgical failure. Others have gone in for longer bypasses to counteract being able to eat more than they should. This turns out to be similar to having a DS except you still have the disadvantage of not being able to take non steroid anti inflammatory drugs. You can do as Melissa suggested and just tough it out dieting. However I don't see how we, who couldn't get and keep our weight under control preop, can be expected to do that now post op with a surgical failure? I noticed your profile hasn't been updated in quite a while (same here) so it's hard to know when your surgery failed. Have you been scoped and know for sure that is the problem and it's not a staple line distruption or ? I hope you can find a solution to your problem. Good luck in whatever you decide will work best for you. Sherry
   — sherry hedgecock

February 3, 2004
ORIG. POSTER: I had a scope (because of ulcers) on 12/23/03 and the Dr told me that my pouch was tiny, still 1/5 of it origional size but that my stoma was stretched. I have not gained any weight and still lose a little here and there, nothing major though. I have lost about 135 lbs but am still considered obese. I would love to lose another 30 though. Would Pouch Rules for Dummies work for me? Sorry I havent updated...there hasnt been much to say.
   — cherokey55

February 4, 2004
I would try making the Pouch Rules work for you. You will definitely have to be very vigilant about no liquids or liquidy foods with solids, cuz your food slips from your pouch a lot faster than it ought to anyway. Also, you might try eating a lot of chunky foods (chicken breast, steak, apples, raw carrots, broccoli, etc.) that will still have some "chunk" to it even after chewed. That should make you feel full longer. I'm sorry you have this problem. It must be really tough! Just try to think of ways to make the food stay in your pouch longer and that should help. Foods high in fiber ought to make you feel full longer, too.
   — ctyst

February 4, 2004
Teri, have you noticed that you are eating too much or don't get that full feeling when you have a cup or more of food? You have maintained your weight successfully so far. Are you having problems doing so? Perhaps your stoma is not as stretched as you think...did the doctor give you a centimeter for how stretched?
   — Cindy R.