Question:
large stoma

It seems that one area that there is FEW or no input on the subject. and thats a 'large stoma' the opening from the stomach into the intestines. for the RNY the opening is suppose to be small and the pouch limits the amount of food you can eat; and slowly drains into the intestines. BUT it seems that for what ever reason; the stoma (opening) can be large from day one.. letting that person eat 'more' than their peers; ie. a full scrambled egg. My surgeon was surprized I could eat 1/2 cup of anything post op but since I was not throwing up it was assumed I was not over eating. An upper GI test done at 6 months showed my stoma was 'to large' NO food was staying in my stomach it was going directly into the intestines.... It seems if you can 'overeat' early; that may be one of the problems; but one that is not being addressed. as anyone else finally found this out thru tests? and if so what did your surgeon suggest? mine suggested i go to the nutritionst and counseling; since i was eceslly dieint.    — star . (posted on May 28, 2001)

June 16, 2001
I had known for a couple of years that my stomach had 'stretched' after my VBG in 1991. But it wasn't until I had a gastric 'incident' that sent me for medical attention that I learned that my 'opening' wasn't holding back the food as it was intended. I had severe pain in my chest that felt exactly like what my mother described when she had her heart attack. The doctor said I was right to come in, since it did sound like I was having a heart attack. After tests, I was given a drink called 'affectionately' a GREEN DRAGON! It numbed everything, and the pain stopped! It wasn't my heart! But, due to the nature of my 'attack', they had me do a test, with an x-ray, that allowed the dr. to watch my stomach empty...and he said that it did, 'empty immediately'...instead of slowly! At this point, I am seeking a revison to a DS.
   — saxon1014