Question:
When another pouch is forming in your intestines, is that considered a fistula?

I was checking into a revision and had an EGD. It showed that another pouch was forming just below where my intestine was attached to my new pouch. I had the RNY about 3 yrs ago and had great weight loss and success. However, I have gained about 15 pounds. The doctor says that it is because my food is going directly from the "original" pouch to the new forming pouch and allowing me to eat more. Anyone heard of this and what can be done about it?    — TBarr (posted on May 11, 2005)

May 11, 2005
Sounds like your RNY doc needs to do a revision to me. I have not heard of this before, but apparantly you had a leak at sometime wich has caused this to happen. Get it fixed before you gain back much more weight. Good Lick to you Marilyn, the Bearlady
   — Marilyn C.

May 11, 2005
Yes, and it happens alot to be honest. It isn't a new pouch per se but the intestine acts as a surrogate pouch. This is due to the stoma being stretched. I would definitely start your research into a revision. If that isn't what you want, if you are diligent you can keep the weight off and lose what you have gained. I wish you luck sweetie! This has been a fear for myself and I am sorry you are having to deal with this. Big Hugs...Erika
   — Egyptianeyesdiva

May 11, 2005
did he actually call it psuedo-pouch? Or is it a relaxed stoma? Either way, it's certainly worth looking into revision. Investigation is not committment
   — vitalady

May 11, 2005
I have heard of this before. My PCP actually told us about it at our last support meeting. On one of my groups they are talking about setting a timer for 15 minutes. You are allowed to eat your meal during that 15 minutes but as soon as the timer beeps...you are done. This helps limit the amount you can actually eat. I would try this while you look into a revision on the stoma. Good Luck! Carmen
   — kccjer

May 11, 2005
Thanks to all of you who responded and encouraged me. My doctor says that a revision is too risky due to many more possible leaks, and the things they have tried on other patients are not working. One is in the hospital as we speak for malnutrition. However, I DO NOT want to gain anymore weight back. I am terrified at the thought of gaining it back. If I do have a revision, I am thinking of the DS instead of the RNY.
   — TBarr

May 11, 2005
I think it might be time fro you to seek a good 2nd opinion. I've heard of Dr.s adding a gastric band just below the stoma to address this problem. This should at least be an option to consider in your case. If you Dr. doesnt know/do that, please look for someone who might have a different frame of reference. Good luck to you.
   — LMCLILLY

May 12, 2005
Sounds like what I had before this gastric bypass surgery. It is not really another pouch. In my case, I had the old JIB wls in 1981. In 2001 I was found to have an intestinal blockage below my bypassed part. this caused my food to back up and basically create another stomach. When the doctor did my bowel obstruction surgery he said he had never seen anything like it. I had two stomachs where that part of the intestine had stretched to accomadate the food.
   — Delores S.