Question:
Can an endoscopy stretch your pouch? I'm 11 months post-op...

I had a perforated stomach/marginal ulcer and needed surgery to fix everything. 5 months later, my stomach and intestines are still causing me alot of nausea and pain. My gastro will probably order an endoscopy for me, I had one pre-op, but am just worried that the process could stretch my stomach. I am pretty much at my goal weight (133lbs) and can still eat pretty small amounts- usually no more than 4 oz. Has this happened to anyone? Thanks!    — Lezlie Y. (posted on April 22, 2003)

April 22, 2003
No, an EGD will not stretch your stomach, unless that is the goal! The very tip of the scope can be as small in diameter as that of a drinking straw. Since they can see *exactly* where they are headed, you should have no problems.
   — Lori A.

April 22, 2003
No, an endoscopy will not stretch your pouch. However, when I had mine done, they found that a suture had worked it's way into the pouch from the opening into the intestines and it had to be clipped. It didn't stretch the pouch but it did enlarge the opening into the intestines so that food goes through more quickly. However, I have lost 181 pounds and have reached my surgeon's goal and had a tummy tuck. I am almost 17 months post op and had my tummy tuck done February 4 after having maintained my weight for 4 months. If your doc thinks you need to have the test done, do it.
   — Patty_Butler