Question:
Dr. removing blind stomach

I had RNY 08/01, have reached my goal but have suffered many complications. I had to have my galbladder removed 05/02, developed a fistula that was repaired 10/02. Since 10/03 I have been in constant pain. After numerous tests my doctor decided to place a feeding tube into my blind stomach so we could do testing on it. Well it turns out that something is wrong with the old stomach as putting malox in it takes the pain away. My doc thinks it may be producing too much bile, or not emptying properly. As a last resort he wants to remove it. Has anyone ever had this done? It will be an open procedure (all others were lap) and I'm really scared...but at my wits end with chronic pain and am taking all kinds of meds just to keep me working. Any thoughts or help would be greatly appreciated!!!    — Angela L. (posted on March 9, 2004)

March 9, 2004
I really don't have any advice, but unless I'm mistaken, your stomach (either one) doesn't produce bile. Your liver produces bile which is normally stored in the gallbladder and later released to help digestion. If there is bile in your "old" stomach, I'd be really curious to know how it's getting there. I was told that our old stomachs produce the gastric "juices" that help break down our food. Perhaps that's what your doc meant. If so, that would make a little more sense, especially if it's not emptying out properly and it's just laying there. I think before I would have this surgery, I'd consult with another gastrointestinal dr. and get a second opinion. Good Luck.
   — Carolyn M.

March 9, 2004
This is actually standard operating procedure for the DS. They usually don't do it for RNY unless problems develop. I know Vitalady (Michelle Curran) had hers taken out when she was transected several years ago. <p> As far as the open vs. lap, the pain for me wasn't really that bad. I was on pain meds for the first 4-5 days post-op and after that I was sore, but it wasn't anything really bad. I was back to work (desk job) at 2 weeks post-op. <p> Good Luck.
   — Ali M

March 9, 2004
when i had my open rny 22 months ago my surgeon removed my old stomach (the blind one). I have been doing great without it. There wasn't a problem with my old one it is just how my surgeon does it. I hope all works out for ya. kristi
   — tinalivesay

March 9, 2004
I didn't have mine taken out as a separate procedure, but with my repair. The reason was that I had a 30 yr history of ulcer. The last one before WLS was duodenal. I felt as if I was a time bomb, waiting to develop an ulcer that would require emergency surgery, insurance or not. So, since I had to be revised ANYWAY, it is gone. I've tried to regret it, but I can't. There is nothing there to hurt now.
   — vitalady

March 9, 2004
I would first figure out what is really wrong before having it removed. If he put a feeding tub in then he can also use that hole to place a scope and see what is going on. I have a ugly history of stomach polyps and will need to have my "blind" stomach looked at in a few years. However, my surgeon left some clips in the old stomach that can be dilated from the surface without having a major surgery. I'm hoping they are no longer an issue and were from the years of anti-inflammtories and stomach meds which stopped acid production that I took. <p>He should be able to put in some barium to check the emptying also through the feeding tube. Maybe a 2nd opinion who will research it further is in order.
   — zoedogcbr

March 9, 2004
Thanks everyone for your input. My doc has done every test in the book...he was reluctant to remove the blind stomach so we've tried everything possible to no avail. He did do a barium/contrast via the tube and the stomach seemed to empty properly. The feeding tube is not wide enough for a scope...we talked about him doing that but since I've had the tube in and the malox takes the burning pain away we've come to the conclusion that it's gotta go. And, you are right...if there is no stomach there will be no pain. I'm so sick of being in pain. Sometimes I feel like I'm going crazy... Well, anyway, I'm set for surgery on Monday so wish me luck. Thanks again for your responses everyone!!
   — Angela L.