Question:
What is the procedure called

I have just found out that I am going to have the opening to my new pouch stretched because I cannot keep food and liquids down. Does anyone know what this procedure is called? Is it painful? I am certain that someone out there knows about this because my doctor said that this happens with about 10% of his patients. BTW I am 5 weeks post op and have lost 47 pounds. This surgery is amazing.    — Tony H. (posted on May 20, 2000)

May 20, 2000
All healing occurs by scar formation, and scars always have a tendency to contract. This may cause the opening between stomach and bowel to become too small, so that no food can get through. This causes repeated vomiting, and must be corrected. <p> This type of problem used to occur in about up to 10% of cases. The treatment is quite simple, and can be done as an outpatient procedure. However, as surgeons have worked to refine the Gastric Bypass, they have noticed that the incidence of this problem has declined, almost to the vanishing point, less than 0.5% of both open and laparoscopic operations.. <p> Although I have not had any problems with this a few on AMOS have mentioned it and have had it corrected quite painlessly.. Hope this helps you. <p> Please visit my profile page for more information and links and recipes.
   — Victoria B.

May 20, 2000
Hiya! Vic forgot to mention the name of the procedure is called endoscopy. There are many posts on this site regarding it. It appears painless (they will sedate you), and helps those in need GREATLY! Best of luck!
   — lisadiehl

May 20, 2000
I had the anastomosis stretched with a balloon. The procedure is called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy. I went to a gastroenterologist. An IV was started. I was given Demerol and Versed thru the IV. A plastic device was put in my mouth, mythroat was sprayed with a topical numbing spray. A tube was then inserted thru my mouth, down the esophagus and into the stomach. When the tube reaches the anastomosis and balloon is inserted thru the tube and is used to stretch the outlet to stomach. The procedure was uncomfortable but not acutely painful. My throat hurt for awhile. I was not allowed to drive home because of meds used. LOL Beth
   — Elizabeth H.