New issue after surgery

Hey!  Its been a long time since I posted, but now I am feeling the need.  I have gained more than 80 pounds back since my surgery.  I've been having some abdominal pain, so I called my surgeon.  They sent me to a GI, who ordered an endoscopy and small bowel series.  The endoscopy showed that my pouch is enlarged, but the opening from my pouch to my small intestine is quite large.  Because of the size of the opening, food is emptying out of my pouch way too fast - there I never get full.  UGH!  I am going to have to have a revision, but there shouldn't be any problems with insurance because this time it is medically necessary, 

I'm really frustrated, my body has put itself into starvation mode because my pouch empties so quick.  I feel like one of those kids on a National geographic special with the bloated bellies. 

Has anyone else had this happen?

A stretched Stoma, as you apparantly have, is the nightmare of RNY, and I'm so sorry you are going through this.

Do you actually have a distended belly? If so this sounds like something I've never heard of.

Right now, what you have to do is measure your meals. You won't become malnourished due to a stretched stoma, you'll still absorb your nutrients because that takes place in the intestines. Are you taking your vitamins? Getting yearly labs?

What makes you think that you are in starvation mode? By this you mean to say you are hungry all the time, or your metabolism has shut down (as the term is meant to convey) you WILL be hungry all the time, you won't feel FULL but you still have control over what you eat. You just need to eat a specific amount of food each day, if for no other reeason so that you won't gain any more weight before your revision. Will they be redoing your RNY or converting you to a DS or another type of weight loss sugery? 

Some people have mechanical failures (as you have) just because, and some as a combination of their genetics and rules. If you haven't followed the rule of not drinking with meals, I do encourage you to follow that rule if your RNY is going to be redone. I am NOT blaming you, because obviously something more is going on here than just simple rule breaking..... and my heart feels for you. But again, I can't stress enough, measure your meals and have three to six half-cup sized meals a day, and limit it... just know that you will be hungry because the ability to FEEL full is now denied you.

Thanks, Lithia for your supportive words.

I actually just had my endoscopy and small bowel series this weekend.  I haven't even had a chance to tell my wls surgeon about it.  All I know right now is what the GI doc told me.

My belly is bloated, for the first week it was even hard to the touch.  Since last Tuesday, I've been taking Protonix, and the hardness has eased up, but the bloat is still there 

Right now, its hard to eat anything.  I am drinking Powerade, I was drinking Powerade Zero, but they told me to change to get more calories, and drinking broth and oyster crackers.  The GI doc told me to stick with these until I go back to his office again.

It's just scary knowing that I had this surgery and  have to repeat it again.  Totally frustrating!

Ah thanks.... I was a bit confused, and I hoped you hadn't taken my post wrong!!!  I try to be nice and encouraging, but feeling a lot of pain from spine surgery I had a month ago, and today isn't one of my best days.

Sounds like your GI doc is on top of things, but you DO have to get in touch with your WL Surgeon because he's the one *****ally will be able to understand everything going on....the GI doc only knows what he knows.

I'd be worried about the symptoms you mention, and if you get increased pain or anything, I'd not wait to go back in.

Good luck. Remember that there is a lot of support here for you!

Thanks, Lithia.

I do have an appointment on the 19th with the WLS surgeon, and I'm supposed to call the GI doc in the morning to schedule a followup. 

All I know now it that I've got another surgery in my future.  I'm a teacher and hope to wait till the summer for it.  An exciting "How I Spent My Summer Vacation" story for sure!

I'm a high school teacher, and I know what you mean. I've been out since March 8th and I'm dying to go back to work! (go back tomorrow half time)

Good luck getting it figured out. If they talk about Stomaphyx or the ROSE procedure, I'd see what other alternatives they have.... I haven't heard good things about those two procedures for fixing a broken stoma..... aside from creating another new connection, I don't know what else can be done.

I wish you all the luck in the world.

Thanks again, Lithia.

I haven't heard of those two procedures you mentioned, but since my pouch is also over sized they may just do a total revision of both.

I'm out of sick days now, so waiting for the summer is it for me.

Good luck tomorrow!  I know everyone will be glad to see you again!