Is a 20mm stoma too big?

[Bariatric Bypass 1]

Hi guys,

I've read many times that the stoma should be between 10mm and 12mm.

Mine is 20mm.I'm sure this is too big and that's why my bypass has failed.

Any views welcome.

Thanks.

[gabbys_mom 7]

I had to have mine redone. The original surgeon never made the RNY connection long enough. And I also had to have my pouch made smaller.

If you live in the Pennsylvania area I would highly recommend The University of Pennsylvania. They are awesome they fixed everything and I'm finally back on track.

[rte837 141]

You are just over 3 months out. How can you say it failed!?

[Bariatric Bypass 1]

You are just over 3 months out. How can you say it failed!?

If you look at my stats, I joined in January but my surgery was in October 2013!

[angelface811 100]

Even at 20cc which is the same size I began with when I had my bypass a year ago weight loss should have occurred. At my support group meeting the other day my surgeon said he creates the stoma at 20cc-40cc. It doesn't stay at 20cc's for long. Typically at the one year mark the stoma will grow to be between 5-9 ounces. You can try out the "cottage cheese" test to get an idea of the size of your pouch. There are other possible reasons for low weight loss . I would consult your surgeon. My aunt also had bypass about 13 years ago she lost half her body weight from 300-150 and regained 50 but she has managed to take it back off. My advice would be to get checked out and don't put it off. Best of luck to you.

[drmeow 323]

The stoma is the size of the opening (in mm) between pouch and intestines, not the size of the pouch (which is the cc you are referring to)

[angelface811 100]

My apologies drmeow I meant the size of my gastric pouch in cc's...as to the size of my stoma I do not know how many centimeters it measures. Especially upon any type of dilation that might occur...that's the thing about bypass we are constantly learning about it both on the patient and research side of things. Better surgical techniques, new approaches, impact upon the body etc. ????

[Bariatric Bypass 1]

The stoma is the size of the opening (in mm) between pouch and intestines, not the size of the pouch (which is the cc you are referring to)

Thanks DrMeow. So what do you think of a stoma that's 20mm? My doctors say stoma size is irrelevant and that getting food out of the stomach and into the intestine is important as this provides hormonal feedback to the brain to say that you are full. What do you think?

Edited April 17, 2015 by Bariatric Bypass

[sboston34 7]

I rushed because I was feeling so good and eating Proteins. I now have a piece of meat lodged somewhere where I can't vomit it up but it doesn't feel like it is making much progress going down. Should I do something or just wait it out?

[rte837 141]

How much pain you are in should help you decide. You could try warm/hot Water and try to push it down with that. ?? I wonder if dissolving meat tenderizer in the Water would help break down the Proteins?? But, depending on how big a piece of meat you swallowed and how much it hurts, you MIGHT need to go to the ER and have it removed. Good luck. (Bet you don't make the mistake twice; if it's any consolation.)

[sboston34 7]

It went down last night while I slept but OMG it was uncomfortable. I will no longer pout. #thankfulforyogurtandcottagecheese

[Crosby 303]

I rushed because I was feeling so good and eating Proteins. I now have a piece of meat lodged somewhere where I can't vomit it up but it doesn't feel like it is making much progress going down. Should I do something or just wait it out?

Papaya enzyme ...will break it down.

[sboston34 7]

Thank you!