Question:
How would one know if they have a large stoma?

What are the symptoms/effects?    — Kim L. (posted on April 25, 2003)

April 25, 2003
You might try checking yesterdays question number 35 and then the day before question 95 ( I think, not sure). Lots of good info there. This has been one of my greatest fears with this surgery. One of my friends has a large stoma and has been told by many docs that there is nothing that can be done about it.
   — Delores S.

April 25, 2003
First, this is can happen if you have an RNY; you do not have to worry about it if you have a DS. How can you tell? For sure have your doctor order an Upper GI test. But, for yourself - try the cottage cheese test ( I personally stopped after eating 1 1/2 cups) but basically listen to your peers - MOST RNY have trouble eating a whole egg to start with.. large stoma - would have NO trouble; once at about month 5 I ate a whole 6" sub.. bread and all; didnt throw up from 'over eating' NOT to say at first (post op) you might throw up - this is ususally from introducing 'new' foods that dont agree with the intestines; not from overeating... Its a volume thing... if your newly post and there out and can 'eat' alot compared to your 'friends; this might be an issue..
   — star .

April 25, 2003
I too can eat a normal meal and could eat almost normal quanities from the outset. The surgeon refused to order the tests so I won't see him anymore. I haven't gone to a PCP yet to get the tests ordered because what's the point no DR. seems to fix the problem anyway. I just wished I would have know about the fobi ring pre-surgery. My surgeon's only advice is to stick to 7 bites in a meal and I'll lose weight. No, Duh! I started the Atkins diet Monday and have lost 5.5 pounds so far we'll see how that goes. It's hard to accept and kind of scary that it's back to traditional diet and exercise which I have failed at before.
   — Candace F.