Question:
problems w/ stomach looking into revision

I noticed recently I can eat more and I dont stay full more then 10 minutes, i spoke w/ surgeons nurse and she said the upper GI I had done a few days ago was unconclusive, they only recieved a report and wanted me to get the photos and bring them in to have the doctor look closer at them but she said sometimes the area where the intestines and stomach are put together, the route the food takes, the entrance to the intestine from the stomach maybe stretched, i have never heard of this, has anyone else?    — christineneale (posted on November 7, 2007)

November 7, 2007
I had only heard of it yesterday at my post-op appt. I'm 3 weeks out and went in early to make sure everything was okay as I was struggling with getting things down. The surgeon explained to me that this can happen and then everything just goes through and you never feel full. I just had always heard that your pouch stretches, but apparently the part that leaves your stomach can stretch and that's a bad thing...as your food just runs through rather than giving you a feeling of fullness. I hope that's not your problem.... as I'm sure you'd dread having another surgery. Best of luck.
   — Cheryl K.

November 7, 2007
Yes, but I preferthe term "relaxed" over stretched, because that implies blame. There are a coupla new techniques out to try to snug that back up, if that is what they conclude.
   — vitalady

November 7, 2007
I am scheduled for surgery in December and I have also worked as a nurse on the PCU for Bariatric surgery. I was told when I worked on the unit and also by my physician at my initial consultation that this is a potential risk in the surgery. There are, however, things that can be done to help with it, but it does require additional surgery.
   — Kristi.mccloud8033

November 7, 2007
Hi Christine, thanks for writing. The opening to the stomach is the stoma, and yes it can stretch, but here is the thing. If you are full for only 10 minutes and then think you need to eat more, you are listening to your head, not your body. You don't need to be full, you need to be satisfied. I watched the Biggest Loser this week, and the man that was voted off said it so well. He said "It is not about diet and exercise (although it is very important), it is about my head". He pointed to his brain. Obesity is a head issue with a body consequence. Girl, you can't give in to your brain teasing you about food. You may have a stretched stoma, but you can still make choices, and that is what this surgery is about. Making a choice to quit listening to the brain, and take care of your body. It is the fight of your life, but you can do it. And by the way, you are worth it, so fight the battle, one day at a time! Take care girl. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

November 8, 2007
Your profile has no info so I'm guessing your having the same troubles that I'm having as you make it sound. Are you measuring your foods and keeping a Food Diary? Are you eating "Slider Foods"? These are foods which you hardly have to chew. My surgeon has suggested eating only foods in which I have to chew megaly to swallow. And measure the portions too! Also putting the fork actually down between bites. And it's been suggested to only eat for 15 minute, then take at least a 30 minute walk. Good Luck.
   — Michael Eak

November 25, 2007
To Patricia P.: You ALWAYS come up with such GREAT responses to people on this sight!!! I'm inspired to keep up the fight myself once again thanks to your words.... Thanks from another Patricia living on the other side of the world in Vietnam....I've lost over 100lbs. and STILL have a way to go and trying to get my head thinking straight!
   — zoeysgrami