Post-op 5 years - sclerosing injection?

Hi all,

I went to check up with my surgeon and had an EGD done just so I could see what my pouch was looking like being this many years out.  She said my pouch looks good and is still very small and tight the way she wants it, but told me that the opening at the bottom, where my food empties is a tiny bit bigger than she normally sees now and just a tad bigger than what she would like to see.  She says I am still on a great path and by no means does it need done, but mentioned having a sclerosing agent injection done to that opening.  This is basically an injection that will cause that opening to scar over and shrink, therefore shrinking down the opening that the food empties through, making it a success (in about 80% of cases) that it will slow my eating and shrink my ability for food intake.  Basically making me able to take in less, which is what I have been so worried about being 5 years post-op.  Anyone ever hear of this, consider this, or had this done?  Any input is appreciated.  Thanks so much.  :)

What's the procedure called?  I've heard of something called Stomaphyx but it's my understanding it's not very effective, which is why insurance usually won't pay for it.

What are the risks of the procedure?  How many patients end up with strictures or other problems?  I would need that information in order to decide if it was something I wanted to have done.

If you aren't having any problems, though, and ther eis a 20% case it won't even do what it's meant to do, I would probably not have it done.

I haven't heard anything positive or successful about these stoma fixing procedures - of which there are several. Maybe it's just the people who post on OH but all the ones I *know* that have had it done have gone on to have a revision.

Are you regaining? Your post sounds like you are doing ok, so I'm confused as to why you are having all this checked out ... I have never seen my RNY as having a finite time for long term success and at 8 years out I certainly would not have any procedure done unless it was absolutely necessary!

I did gain a little weight back after giving birth to my daughter (who is now almost 3) and I am in the processing of getting that back off.  She just mentioned that she has done this before on some patients who were regaining or something of that nature,  She said it was not necessary for me, but if I wanted she could do it just as an extra step.  In my mind I am thinking, (and I am very paranoid that I am eating way too much again...) so I am thinking I might as well have an injection done that will help me slow my digestion and narrow the opening, so as to take in less food.  Just as kind of an extra little help I suppose?  I don't know.  I am going back and forth, but just wanted some opinions.  It is an EGD that she would be doing (the scope to look in there) and then she would inject it with a sclerosing agent, causing it to scar over in turn shrinking the opening.  Very non-invasive, and nothing being done to the pouch itself, which is still small. Going back and forth on whether or not to give myself this extra help, or leave it be.  :(

What happens if it creates too much scar tissue and then you have to another EGD (or more than  one) to stretch it back out?  It s just my opinion,  it if you are afraid you are eating too much,the solution is pretty simple and has no risks: just eat less.  I don't mean that to sound snarky, but I am always surprised when people want the surgery to do ALL the work for them (and sometimes those same people then ***** about someone saying surgery is the easy way out). You already have a working tool.  Just start tracking what you are eating and check your portion sizes.

Lora

I appreciate everyone's opinions. Thanks. But just fending for myself here, I DO NOT EXPECT AND HAVE NEVER EXPECTED this surgery to do all the work for me. I work very hard and everyday I am utilizing my TOOL. I just figured if it didn't hurt to minimize what my surgeon felt was a tad bigger than normal, why not.