Is it possible to dilate the stomach to increase size?
March 29, 2023
Asked By:mikey_88 in Mount Laurel Township, New Jersey
I had a gastric sleeve last year. The results were great, I have reached my target weight. But I’m still struggling with eating regular food, even small portions without drinks. I kept losing weight but now I drink just protein shakes to stabilize. I may have a stricture or my stomach is just too small. Is there a procedure to dilate my stomach to make it bigger so I can enjoy small meals at least?
Answers (6)
From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
VOTED MOST HELPFUL
October 2, 2023
Answer: Yes you can do it with an endoscopy guided dilitation
The idea that people with a BMI over 40 "can’t" lose and maintain weight without surgery isn’t entirely true, but it is much more difficult for most people.
When someone has a BMI over 40, it’s not just about willpower or effort. The body’s metabolism, hunger hormones (like ghrelin), and how the...
100% ghrelin removal isn't possible. Ghrelin (the hunger hormone) is made in several parts of the body, not just the stomach. A sleeve gastrectomy does lower ghrelin levels significantly, but complete removal cannot be achieved through surgery.
80–90% stomach removal is typical in a first-time s...
It’s understandable to have concerns about the extent of stomach removal during your sleeve gastrectomy. Typically, 80-90% of the stomach is removed in standard procedures, along with a significant portion of ghrelin production to reduce hunger. In your case, the surgeon opted to remove 65% of t...