Question:
Stoma too big - anyone had a revision?

I am almost 3 months open RNY post-op and have had a tough recovery. It seems the opening between my new pouch and my intestine is too big and food is emptying too fast which causes me a lot of pain. The GI specialist told me it is the size of a half-dollar. My sergeon says there isnt anything he can do about it and I'm just going to have to live with it. I've heard about a revision where a ring is placed around the intestine to make is smaller and that it is supposed to be the size of a nickle. Anyone have this done before? It told him about this and he said he's never heard of it. Please help!    — Jennifer J. (posted on March 26, 2003)

March 26, 2003
It's funny but i just got off the phone with a friend of mine who has this same problem. She had a ring but it eroded so it was removed and now she is seeking a revision. her stoma is like yours and the insurance doesn't want to pay and none of the docs in kentucky do the ring so she is going back to her original doc in California to have the ring put back in. Your doc may not have heard of this but it is a common thingt and a ring is the only cure.
   — Delores S.