Hi there,

I just had an endoscope procedure to view my stomach. I had the Gastroplasty surgery 25 years ago and am seeking to have the bypass revision done. My Doctor just informed me that there is only about 2-3cm to work with and with best case he could do it leaving my stomach about the size of a marble as opposed to the size of an egg which is the normal size post surgery. Worst case scenario he gets in there and involved and can't get out without removing my stomach. My question is to anyone who has had this revision with the marble sized outcome how can one possibly eat enough to be ok let alone stay alive? He told me to think about it and talk amongst those of you that have done this, surely I am not the only one? Any help, advice would be greatly appreciated as I am at a total loss! Thanks

It can be done, as total gastrectomies are done for cancer and some other extreme gastric morbidities, and what is often done is they make a pouch out of part of the intestine where they join in the esophagus. There is apparently a substantial difference in recovery and adaptation time between a total gastrectomy and a partial gastrectomy, even with a marble sized pouch of stomach tissue - tying the esophagus directly into intestinal tissue seems to be a much bigger deal than taking the stomach tissue at the base of the esophagus and tying that into the intestine.

As with any revision, particularly when dealing with potentially odd configurations, I would want to get a second opinion or two, as you aren't dealing with just a straightforward virgin bariatric procedure. A bariatric practice that is associated with a major cancer center would be a good place to start in finding good experience in such abnormal procedures.

Good luck in working this out,