Question:
Perform gastric bypass revision laproscopically? Effective? Safe?

Hi. I need some info. and hope you can help me. I had a gastric bypass (open) surgery 5 years ago. I was not extremely overweight but had severe sleep apnea which necessitated this surgery, along with a UPPP surgery at the same time. I lost 50 lbs. I maintained this loss for about 5 years. Suddenly, beginning this January and over a period of about 6 months, I gained 36 lbs. Several of my doctors believe this is a result of medication side effects (I take many medications). I had an upper GI and an endoscopy, both of which show that the "tube" or "opening" attached to the bottom of my stomach has enlarged and is now the same size as my stomach (the stomach has not enlarged). The doctor says that this results in a feeling of not feeling full or of not having eaten, causing increased hunger. He also says the surgery to repair this is very complicated. Can you tell me why this would occur. My doctor's response was "Time." Is there a name for this? Also, is this indeed very complicated and why? Can you tell me what the procedure is to repair this and can it be done laproscopically? Has anyone had a similar experience? Thank you very much for your help. My doctor (who is a man of few words) doesn't perform laproscopic surgery so I am seeking a laproscopic doctor as the initial surgery I had was a nightmare regarding pain and care, though I was lucky (and I'm grateful) I did not suffer serious complications from the surgery. Cindy    — Cindy W. (posted on December 2, 2004)

December 2, 2004
You need a revision specialist for a stretched stoma. With your private profile we have no way to know what part of the country you are in. If near cleveland, check out Dr philip schauer. A wonderful choice he recently relocated to cleveland. You might get the Lap Band added, there have been reports of it being used, theres also a effort to scar your stoma thru a endoscopic procedure, no real surgery.
   — bob-haller

December 2, 2004
As to why, it isn't something YOU did or the doc did. Sometimes, this just happens. There are several with this issue on the Grad list. Different methods have been used, but a lot depends on exactly how your pouch was constructed originally. Here's the link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG
   — vitalady

December 2, 2004
Drs. Roslin and Kurian at Lenox Hill Hospital in NYC have been part of a trial that addresses stretched stomas endoscopically, by stitching them slightly smaller so that he food stays in our pouches longer. It was something called the Bard study. If you are in the area of NYC, e-mail me and I will give you their phone number. Good luck!!
   — Fixnmyself