Question:
I AM 2 YEARS POST-OP AND NEVER FEEL FULL. HOW CAN I TELL IF MY STOMA IS TOO LARGE?

   — ALICIA M. (posted on July 1, 2002)

July 1, 2002
As far as I know the only way to determine the size of the stoma is to have the dr put a scope in there to look. You say you never feel full but do you feel satisfied? Hungry? Are you concerned about the amount you eat or just that you never feel full? I have read lots of people say they don't ever get that "full feeling" but if you aren't eating too much and/or staying hungry all the time, I don't think it really matters all that much. I think I have a pretty good sized stoma cuz I have swallowed a couple of things I was absolutely AMAZED did not get stuck. I still eat far less than I did "before" and am not having trouble maintaining my weight *fingers crossed* so far. Could you give a little more info?
   — ctyst

July 8, 2002
Try the cottage cheese test to find out how large your pouch is. Using a container of small curd, eat at a normal pace until full (under five minutes?). Then, pour about 4 oz. of water into the remaining cottage cheese in the carton. Keep adding by the oz. A normal amount of water is 5 - 9 oz. and the amount has no effect on ability to lose weight. How ever much water could be poured is how much your stomach could hold on average. Rather, time of day, type of food 9more or less fiber) and water content of food will have more to say about how much you can eat. If you really NEVER get full, you may have a leak in your staple line and should get scoped by your doctor or surgeon.
   — lisadiehl