Question:
Duodenal Stent

Has anyone known someone or had the same problem I have? I had GB four years ago and developed scar tissue around my duodenal, which keeps closing. I now have a stent but have had to have it replaced four times in the last year and 1/2. Food won't pass thro without the stent and mine keeps coming out? There are very few doctors trained to put in a stent in Orange County, CA & my insurance won't pay to use the one I've been using. Any ideas?    — Carol M. (posted on June 27, 2009)

June 28, 2009
A stent is a big deal. Not sure who is the one that recommended this to you. If it was your bariatric surgeon, I'd find a Gastroenterologist on your plan, to seek advice from. Now, if that is the diagnosis from a Gastro MD, I'd get one more opinion before jumping into it. As a person who also had areas of restriction, I saw 2 Bar. Surgeons, and 2 Gastro MDs, to get an clear meaning as to why/why not have a stent. One surgeon and one Gastro, told me that the stents are best utilized as a "last ditch effort". So do some homework, and you'll be an educated patient.
   — dadebrito

June 29, 2009
Thanks, I already have a stent, but it keeps coming out. I've had a dozen endoscopy's and this is my forth stent. I just don't know what else can/would work. Food just sits in my stomach until I thow up, it won't go through the duodenal because of scar tissue. I'll make an appointment with my B surgeron. Was hoping I'd have a little more information before then as I can't find anything on line abou the problem I've had.
   — Carol M.