Question:
Do all RNY's have their stomach completely separate from the pouch?

I have a dumb question. Does everyone who has the RNY procedure have their stomach completely separate from you pouch? I thought this was the case but now I am doubting myself. My surgeon completely separates them when he "fires" the staple gun. He told us at the seminar that this cuts and separates the two at the same time. Then I read somewhere the other day that it is just a line of staples. I would think this is where people would have staple line problems? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.    — Kelly B. (posted on September 18, 2002)

September 18, 2002
Transected is the better way. In those who arent a large percentage eventually fail requiring a follow up surgery. This happened to Michelle Curran. Unpleasant as well failure cause ulcers.
   — bob-haller

September 18, 2002
the "staple Gun" cuts and staples both sides of the cut simultaneously.
   — Darlene P.

September 18, 2002
I think there are different tools. Some do just fire staples, but it sounds like your dr is using a new-fangled one that cuts and staples all at once. Cool! If he says they are separated, you are transected. That's definitely the best way!
   — ctyst

September 19, 2002
I see everyone has covered this, but I'd thought I'd try another angle. Staples ARE the device that seals, no matter whether cut or stapled only. The device that cuts/staples looks like alligator jaws, about 2" long (I didn't study it, just saw it), and lays all 4 rows of staples at once. It does one "ka-chunk" and lays 2 rows of staples on either side, cuts down the middle. This seals the pouch and seals the lower stomach neatly. One cut does it all. My original surgery had a similar device, minus the cutter. One ka-chunk gave me 4 rows of staples (and they're laid like bricks, alternately) and then it was hand oversewn (as was the transected model in opens). However, time goes on, stuff happens, my staple line bit the dust at year 5. My surgery buddy made it 7.5 yrs and my husband is still intact at 7 yrs. I always say I WOULD do it again, and I DID do it again to repair my SLD (staple line disruption). And you know, just for the record, I'd do it AGAIN, if I had some other mechanical failure.
   — vitalady