Question:
Stoma before & after

My husband & I were talking and I thought I remembered seeing somewhere that it is more common for the stoma to relax/enlarge after a revision than it is for it to relax/enlarge after a brand new, first time RNY. My husband said that didn't sound right because a new opening is still being created if the RNY is being revised - So he thought that it would be like starting with a fresh opening either way. Now I am wondering what is correct because he has a point. Does anybody have any answers? Thanks a bunch!! Sincerely, Elizabeth    — Binxalways (posted on March 9, 2008)

March 9, 2008
I only have a theory... Imagine a fresh clean linen sheet...Two people can hold it on either side and pull this crisp and new sheet...Then you get a tear down the center and it pulls apart...and you sew it up...the stitches will always be there and be weaker there...And constant pulling on both sides of the sheet will most likely tear or become unraveled close to if not right on the tear line before it give somewhere else. The sheet will never be the same...You don't get to start over really...You have to take care of what you have and NOT put that kind of stress on that stitch line. I could be wrong, but I am a visual person and that's just how I see it. New stitches may only make that line worse if the eating or diet habits do not change...It makes sense to me...But human tissue is not the same as linen I suppose...Like I said...It's just a theory.
   — .Anita R.

March 10, 2008
Hi Elizabeth, thanks for writing. I am assuming that you are trying to convince yourself or your husband to have a revision? The research that our surgical department has come up with is that a revision does not help lose any more weight. It is sort of a one shot deal with most people, and insurance companies have gone to rejecting revisions for patients because they don't work for weight loss. It also involves much more risk than the original surgery. The stoma, but closing it some is very risky to either swell and get stricture or not work at all, even after another surgery, which puts you at risk too. I know it is a tough decision, but our surgeon points out that just because we can eat something doesn't mean we should eat something. We have to make choices Elizabeth, and then live with the consequences of our choices. RNY is a good tool, but the head issues that come with obesity are challenging and tough. If you don't win the head issues now though, another surgery will not help you lose then weight then, and the science is showing that revisions are not helpful, but can be dangerous. Be careful what you wish for. Take care. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

March 10, 2008
the stomaphyx is a non invasive surgery. there incert a device threw your mouth to reduce your stomache again this is only for people who had the gastricc bypass. surgery its actualy safer then having a nother open rny procedure.
   — yvettetas