In case anyone was wondering...

Hello all! I think most of you know I have been struggling with weight gain here at over 3 years out and decided to go in for a procedure called "Sclerotherapy" which helps narrow an enlarged stoma to the correct size. I received many emails wishing to know how it went...thought it would be easier to just post it here. It went really well, I believe! It's still so early, so it's hard to tell what kind of "restriction" I have because there still is some discomfort in putting anything into the pouch at this point, so I am taking it very easy right now, but I surely don't eat as much as I was. And of course I am trying to be very pro-active at this and get back the the proper pouch rules with a vengeance! As we all know, it will only be as successful as I want to make it. I have been very careful to take small bites and chew everything very well and then swallow...this is something we get away from as the years go by. Well, at least I did. Then I wait and see how it "feels" sitting there on my tummy before I take another bite. It's amazing how quickly we really are "full" when paying close attention. As far as my stoma itself, when he did the scope, the Dr. measured it at 16mm, and it is supposed to be ideally between 12-15mm. So yes, it had stretched some. He feels he got it pretty good this time, but if in a few weeks it does not feel like it had taken as well as it should, they will go in and check it once again, and re-treat it again if needed. I can't say enough about the facility and Dr. Baker, his nurses, and all the staff! What a wonderful place! MMPC in Grand Rapids was where I had it and it is just so clean and organized, and not so huge to get lost in, but not so small that you are unsure they can handle your problems. Perfect! The dietician, behaviorist and exercise specialist were all very warm and truly caring, helpful and knowledgeable people. I definately did not feel like a "number" there. So to sum it up, I am very pleased so far! Please keep me in your prayers that I continue on this road of "good behavior"....because for me, that is going to be the crux of it all. Thanks everyone for asking about me! Hope you all are doing well! Hugs, Theresa

Hey Theresa! Thanks for responding. I've been thinking of you wondering how you did with the procedure. Like you said, go back to the basics - just like it was in the beginning. Take is slow, slow, and even slower! I'm glad you had a good experience over there. Do they know what size your stoma is now? I will be praying for you. Take care, Carey Keep us posted!

I believe I answered your questions in a private email, but thought I should post it here too, in case anyone else would like to know. No, I don't know "exactly" what size it is now...won't know until I have another scope later. Right now I'm sure it is sensitive and therefore swollen, so it's hard to know what it will end up being. It was at 16mm before the procedure, so it should be right in the target range now (between 12-15mm), I'm hoping. Tonight for supper I had only about 2 oz. of chicken breast with a few carrots, and I was full! It's so wonderful! I know it's tender now and I'm afraid to overeat at all, so it's sort of a "grace period", but I am taking advantage of this time and trying to retrain myself as if it were the early days after WLS. I'm really excited and pumped up and praying it continues going so well! Hope you are doing great too Carey! How's the back? Hope it's better now. Well, have a great day and talk soon! Hugs, Theresa

Thanks for the sharing this experience. It is very interesting and I really am praying that everything works out well for you. Good Luck, Mary

Thanks so much Mary! Hugs, Theresa

Theresa, You are in my thoughts and prayers. Us postops do get too comortable and forget our pouch rules from time to time. I wish you well. Hugs, Susan

Thanks for sharing your experience Theresa. That's very interesting. I have a question (maybe a dumb question!). How did your pouch get stretched out in the first place? Is that just something that can happen naturally over time? I did research this before I had surgery and I recall being told that I could sabotage myself if I wanted to. I am almost two years out and I constantly have to fight the urge to drink with my meals. I'm guessing that could do some stretching as well. Did you ask for the sclerotherapy or did your surgeon suggest it? I'm hoping for continued "good behavior" for you! Sandra

Thanks Sandra! To answer your question (no, it's not a "dumb question!!"), my pouch was not stretched. It was the stoma that was stretched. The stoma is the portion just below the pouch that connects it to the intestine. The diameter had stretched, and therefore was letting food "fall out" of my pouch very quickly, making me never have a "full" feeling. I was hungry a half an hour after eating. The Dr. said it's really uncommon for the actual pouch to stretch, but the stoma is more common. So that's what they corrected, or are trying to correct. I believe a portion of my weight gain is from this, but alot of my problem is "me"....my behavior. Yes, I was hungry right away, but I should not have eaten every time I was hungry. That's just not good behavior. I realize this. The best advice I can give?....Keep an eye on the ball...don't let down your guard against bad foods, and snacking. Eating right and exercise is the bottom line...always has been, always will be. This procedure I believe with "help" me in my goal to get back to basics, but nothing is foolproof. You have to want it. Thanks for your wellwishes and I hope I answered your question! Hugs, Theresa

Glad everything worked out for you Theresa! I hope it continues to help and be what you need for the long haul! Wendy

Theresa ... I haven't been on this site in months .. and was scrolling through looking for familiar names (where did everyone go? Although, that is a crazy question - I used to be addicted to the site and wouldn't go an hour or two without checking in, writing, .. etc - so I guess I shouldn't be shocked that people drift away) YOU and Toni - though - are strong staples - such caring women - staying through and through to help others while being helped yourself - You are incredible! .... So giving. I am so happy for you ... I know when I was on the site more - you'd be so honest about the struggles and the trying times you were having ... I am sooo happy that you were able to have this surgery. I hope you continue to recover well and that your weight stays off. Thoughts and best wishes for you. Smiles, Karryn