Question:
Enlarged stomach outlet

I had RYN in 1999. I have had stomach issues for years. I finally had a EGD done which showed the outlet to my stomach is open and the food is going directly through my esophagus to the small intestine. I also have put on 50#. Is there anything that I can do to fix this? And if so does insurance cover this? Has anyone gone through this, and is there complications from this?    — summer1977 (posted on July 23, 2011)

July 24, 2011
From what I understand, and you'll need to check it out with a bariatric surgeon, there is a revision where they can go back in and tighten your stoma. I've been told they can do it like an EGD so there aren't any external incisions. I don't know about complications.
   — Spirit13

July 24, 2011
I would be interested in hearing what kind of stomach issues you have had for years. I too have had some issues and gained 50# since my RYN surgery in 2001.
   — Tammy C.

July 24, 2011
This is similar to what has been going on with me. I do not feel full anymore, actually the last 4 yrs ago after an Esophageal dialation for a stricture. I have constantly gained about 4 lbs. a month since and now adding up to 50+ lbs. The food seems to go straight through my pouch and I have loose stool when I eat. I don't have transportation to get to my surgeon 80+ miles from where I live so I am having to deal with this for now. Call your insurance company and ask if it would be a complication from the RNY and can be billed as such. Hope you get things fixed.
   — mspisces

July 29, 2011
I had my gastric 6yrs ago just recently started having problems with my stomach. I'm always hunger 2 hours after I eat. I also get a pain on my left side. I can't believe that I've gained 10 lbs in less than two months. Thats because I exercise 1hr a day. I have an appt next week to see the md that did my surgery. I can't wait I need help.
   — maricruz

August 9, 2011
I had my RNY on 6/5/06. I was lucky in that all 5 surgeons in my bariatric group have a unique solution for prevention of this problem. They removed a 6" long piece of muscle fascia from my left, upper leg and wrapped it around my stoma. Thus far, have not have any problem with any stretching of the outlet. I started out at 274 lbs., losing 131 lbs. in about a yr., easily being able to maintain my weight also, BUT ALSO AM VERY ACTIVE, CONTINUING TO USE MY PRECIOUS TOOL. I also read in "Bariatric Surgery for Dummies" that some surgeons use a silicone ring during surgery to prevent this. I had asked my surgeon in my interview with him about it and he was pleased that I had thoroughly researched my procedure enough to bring up the question about the silicone ring. This was when he said they use the muscle fascia instead due to some patients being allergic to the silicone. Perhaps your surgeon could do a slight revision, perhaps using the silicone ring?
   — MardiGras

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