Question:
Lab tests to determine stretched pouch/stoma/staple line disruption?

Which lab tests can be ordered to determine if I have a stretched pouch, large stoma, or staple line disruption? I'd like to ask my PCP to order the tests before I go back to my surgeon about slight weight gain 4 years after laparoscopic RNY.    — azkarisma (posted on August 5, 2005)

August 5, 2005
Kimbery, an upper GI will show a SLD. I don't really think it will show whether it is stretched or not. However, an endoscopy should show all that you are looking for. Understand that it is normal to have a slight regain at or around 3-4 years out. I don't know why but it is common. If you are concerned that something may be broken, then it is smart of you to check now before it gets out of control. I am just about 4 years out and had an endoscopy about a year ago. They were able to tell me that my staples were still intact but were coming lose. So I do expect to have to have them repaired at some point. I think a scope will help answer some of your questions or at least put some fears to rest. Good luck to you.
   — RebeccaP

August 5, 2005
I agree a having a scope can determan how big your opening is and they have a precedure out that can shrink it if it is stretched. It's called a Sclero. They inject around the opening chemicals that harden your opening and shrink it. As for the others I dont know that a scope will beable to tell. I do know that there is a simple test that you can give yourself to test the size of your pouch. My nutrtionist told me how to do it. You simply get a tub of small curd cottage cheese because it is more solid than the large. Start eating it until you feel full then stop, level it off and slowly fill it with water back to the top where you started, then dump out the water into a measuring cup. Thats how many cups or oz. your pouch can hold. You should be shooting for anywhere from 1 c. to 1 1/2 c. If it is much more than that then I would be concerned and talk to my surgeon. Good Luck Jo
   — Jo_Michalko