The Omentum
I've been looking for the answer to this question for a long time now.
I've waited to see if Dr. Oz would discuss it; I've searched the internet for this answer as well. I'm hoping now that some of you will have the answer to this question as I cannot for the life of me find it.
Okay, I know that the omentum is very important in that it's key role is to harbor fat onto it, ultimately resulting in a beer-belly effect. Also it is this fat (on the omentum) that eventually encroaches into the major organs; i.e., liver, kidneys,etc causing a host of other health concerns.
Now, if the omentum is meant to be there and perform this way, how is it affecting those of us who have had it removed (as I have and I imagine many of you). Does this mean we will be less apt to gain fat in the abdomen or does it mean that fat is now running rampant within our abdomen now that we have no omentum for it to grab onto and wreak havoc on our organs?
I'm asking because I'm trying to live a healthier lifestyle (through better diet plan and eventually exercise). I'd just like to know how not having the omentum will affect the body overall. Will it have an adverse effect? If so and anyone knows, how so?
If anyone has the answer, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Thank you,
Sharon
Comments
-
Not sure, but.....
I do know that some doctors who perform the gastric band procedure for obesity (Lap Band) remove the omentum at the time of surgery. The thinking is that it will increase the potential for future weight loss.0 -
Lots of Laughs
I was sure flat stomached for about 9 months. Now have a roll below the breast 3-4 inches thick and am sure it is fat! My oncologist does not want me to lose weight in order to have a reserve for the future. It was nice for awhile though. I have gained about 25-30 lbs since the surgery. Saundra0 -
hey Sharon...
I am also
hey Sharon...
I am also trying to research affects of omentum removal due to cancer surgery and the link with abdominal fat. I have recently gained about 15 pounds and my waist is expanding rapidly. I am reading Dr Oz's book...alot of talk about this omentum....but what if you don't have one....I hope one of us can get an answer...wishing us both luck and good health
Valentina0 -
The omemtum againvalentina said:hey Sharon...
I am also
hey Sharon...
I am also trying to research affects of omentum removal due to cancer surgery and the link with abdominal fat. I have recently gained about 15 pounds and my waist is expanding rapidly. I am reading Dr Oz's book...alot of talk about this omentum....but what if you don't have one....I hope one of us can get an answer...wishing us both luck and good health
Valentina
Hi Valentina,
I am so glad to hear that I am not the only one desperately seeking the answer to this question.
Unfortunately, as much as I hear about the omentum; I still have not located any source that can answer specifically..."what happens to our bodies once the omentum has been removed?"
Not even Dr. Oz has given an answer to this (sigh).
I've also read Dr. Ozs' book as well. This might sound silly, but I thought not having a omentum might be a plus, out of this whole cancer experience seeing how the omentum is a key organ in drawing/holding fat? So silly me thought just maybe... without one, one would be less apt to gain fat. But of course I don't think it quite works that way.
Once I ever find the answer, I will most certainly post it.
Sharon0 -
Weight Gainnancy591 said:weight gain
I know this is an old topic but I'll add my 2cents. I've gained weight since my surgery too.
Hi,
During the past 2 years my weight ballooned 60lbs over my ideal weight.
Why just after the holidays; I found myself devouring a 3layer chocolate cake (leftovers from Christmas) aptly named..."Death by Chocolate." LOL!
After just getting this mental picture of myself... I thought OMG, what must I look like right about now? The very next day I went into survival mode and am slowly becoming a vegan.
I lost 20lbs in the 1st month (January) and 10lbs in this month. My oncologist is astounded...and this is really silly rather than giving myself the credit of being disciplined enough to drop the pounds, still in the back of my mind I asked my dr., it isn't the cancer is it?
Of course she laughed, the cancer hadn't quite gotten a hold of me at this point yet.
But I truly think not having the omentum has a lot to do with our weight gain as well. I'll keep looking though.
Sharon0 -
Me too!msfanciful said:Weight Gain
Hi,
During the past 2 years my weight ballooned 60lbs over my ideal weight.
Why just after the holidays; I found myself devouring a 3layer chocolate cake (leftovers from Christmas) aptly named..."Death by Chocolate." LOL!
After just getting this mental picture of myself... I thought OMG, what must I look like right about now? The very next day I went into survival mode and am slowly becoming a vegan.
I lost 20lbs in the 1st month (January) and 10lbs in this month. My oncologist is astounded...and this is really silly rather than giving myself the credit of being disciplined enough to drop the pounds, still in the back of my mind I asked my dr., it isn't the cancer is it?
Of course she laughed, the cancer hadn't quite gotten a hold of me at this point yet.
But I truly think not having the omentum has a lot to do with our weight gain as well. I'll keep looking though.
Sharon
I had my omentum removed as well (June 08) and I too have gained weight since then.
Once I had recovered from the sickness of chemo, the weight started to creep up, now having gained a total of 15kg in 18mths!!! :O
Carolyn xx0 -
Interesting thread,msfanciful said:The omemtum again
Hi Valentina,
I am so glad to hear that I am not the only one desperately seeking the answer to this question.
Unfortunately, as much as I hear about the omentum; I still have not located any source that can answer specifically..."what happens to our bodies once the omentum has been removed?"
Not even Dr. Oz has given an answer to this (sigh).
I've also read Dr. Ozs' book as well. This might sound silly, but I thought not having a omentum might be a plus, out of this whole cancer experience seeing how the omentum is a key organ in drawing/holding fat? So silly me thought just maybe... without one, one would be less apt to gain fat. But of course I don't think it quite works that way.
Once I ever find the answer, I will most certainly post it.
Sharon
and do let us know if you find out anything. I was an all time high, right before dx. My weight has been down, up and down and now creeping up again. Mine seems to be affected by the type of chemo I'm on.
Love the new profile pic, BTW!
Kathleen:)0 -
Weight gainsoftD said:Me too!
I had my omentum removed as well (June 08) and I too have gained weight since then.
Once I had recovered from the sickness of chemo, the weight started to creep up, now having gained a total of 15kg in 18mths!!! :O
Carolyn xx
I too have gained weight. However I still have my omentum as my cancer cells are thinly spread all over it so surgery was not an option. I have been told that the steriods that I am on (to counter act the side effects of the chemo) gives you an appetite so you eat more. It also helps you to put on weight. I am upset because I lost 2 stone 2 years ago and felt great - bought new clothes. Now none on my clothes fit and I feel uncomfortable.
xxx0 -
Omentum Cancer
I just found out that my Stage 4 Endometrial cancer (diagnosed originally August 2007), has now spread to the Omentum, and I am glad I stumbled onto this site and saw your threads back and forth.
My new Oncologist tells me that they can give me radiation for the small tumor that is in the pelvic region, but not in the Omentum area because it would cause too much internal damage to the organs around it. I am terrified to have any radiation. Nobody in my chemo group or others that I run into who are semi-OK about talking about their cancer (stage and treatments, and recurrences), but NOBODY will talk about their radiation experience. This has me really worried.
My mom even said Dr. Oz (whom I am SOOOOO glad is now doing his own shows), talks about the Omentum a lot. But, he does not get too in depth with a lot of topics, so I am not surprised he is not going into major details for people like us who have cancer there and what the ramifications are for not having it.
Have any of you that had it removed, were you able to have it done laparascopically or did you need major abdominal incisions? My doc did not get into detail on this yet. I am afraid of getting more infections if I needed to be opened up like I did with my vertical 12-inch hysterectomy incision (got MRSA two times - once while under chemo and it took 3 months of IV antibiotic treatment - it was a nightmare).
Anything I can learn now before I reach the end of my 6-cycles of chemo will be very helpful.0 -
Mine was removed at the timepixelprincess said:Omentum Cancer
I just found out that my Stage 4 Endometrial cancer (diagnosed originally August 2007), has now spread to the Omentum, and I am glad I stumbled onto this site and saw your threads back and forth.
My new Oncologist tells me that they can give me radiation for the small tumor that is in the pelvic region, but not in the Omentum area because it would cause too much internal damage to the organs around it. I am terrified to have any radiation. Nobody in my chemo group or others that I run into who are semi-OK about talking about their cancer (stage and treatments, and recurrences), but NOBODY will talk about their radiation experience. This has me really worried.
My mom even said Dr. Oz (whom I am SOOOOO glad is now doing his own shows), talks about the Omentum a lot. But, he does not get too in depth with a lot of topics, so I am not surprised he is not going into major details for people like us who have cancer there and what the ramifications are for not having it.
Have any of you that had it removed, were you able to have it done laparascopically or did you need major abdominal incisions? My doc did not get into detail on this yet. I am afraid of getting more infections if I needed to be opened up like I did with my vertical 12-inch hysterectomy incision (got MRSA two times - once while under chemo and it took 3 months of IV antibiotic treatment - it was a nightmare).
Anything I can learn now before I reach the end of my 6-cycles of chemo will be very helpful.
Mine was removed at the time of my de-bulking surgery. I had extreme "caking" of the omentum, which means cancer seedings all over it.
Carlene0 -
Mine is out alsoHissy_Fitz said:Mine was removed at the time
Mine was removed at the time of my de-bulking surgery. I had extreme "caking" of the omentum, which means cancer seedings all over it.
Carlene
They took most of mine also. when they drained the fluid from my stomach, all of my organs stuck together making it nearly impossible to do a complete historectomy, so someday i need to go back and get utures, and cervis taken out. they took what they could of the omentium as it also was attached to other organs, but chemo killed the cells that was left there
i have had the opposite, i can not seem to gain weight0 -
Wise Geek
I found this on the wise geek website. I couldn't find anything that said there was any known side effects. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-an-omentectomy.htm0 -
Hi all ,kathryn1 said:Wise Geek
I found this on the wise geek website. I couldn't find anything that said there was any known side effects. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-an-omentectomy.htm
Im getting a bit
Hi all ,
Im getting a bit confused regarding the omentum, my mum has been told they cant operate or remove anything because the tumour is too big and she has it spread over her omentum. They said they do not remove her omentum because it keeps her bowels in place. Any input would be greatly appreciated many thanks Kris xx0 -
Hi--rubyslippers said:Hi all ,
Im getting a bit
Hi all ,
Im getting a bit confused regarding the omentum, my mum has been told they cant operate or remove anything because the tumour is too big and she has it spread over her omentum. They said they do not remove her omentum because it keeps her bowels in place. Any input would be greatly appreciated many thanks Kris xx
I had my omentum removed during my debulking surgery ( along with ovaries, tubes, uterus, cervix) inn apr of '10. My surgeon referred to it as my "fatty apron" . I thought "Hey! Maybe I'll start a fad...I know all my girlfriends would love to lose something called a "fatty apron"!!" I have never heard anything either way--leave it in or take it out. I have several unfounded thoughts and ideas, but none bases in fact. I'm curious now...
Best to all-- Karen0 -
The Omentum
"Call it what you like: Beer belly, protruding gut, spare tire or other creative names. What you're referring to is the visible consequence of the omentum.
Often described as a "fatty apron," the omentum is a sheet of fatty tissue that hangs down in front of the intestines, providing a protective cushion.
Of course, many people have more protection than they need or is healthy for them. The omentum, technically the "greater omentum," is one of the main fat-storage depots in the body. It thickens with accumulating fat, expanding the skin into that well-known shape.
The omentum hangs down, like an apron, from the bottom of the stomach. Its lower edge descends to near the pelvis. It's folded, and the other point of attachment is to the transverse colon, just below the stomach. It varies greatly in thickness, depending on how much fat is stored there.
But the omentum isn't just a passive recipient of fat, a sometimes wayward padding. It's also packed with nutrients and growth-stimulating chemicals, along with stem cells, the "ancestral" cells that turn into various body tissues and organs.
The omentum has germ-fighting cells that migrate to infections in the abdomen. The omentum actually adheres to places of infection, helping to seal them off. For this role, the omentum has been dubbed "the policeman of the abdomen."
The omentum is a handy tool for surgeons, who use it as a kind of biological duct tape. Sections of omentum are grafted onto cut areas or lesions to help them heal. It's been used on the gastrointestinal tract, heart, spinal cord and brain.
The omentum can be also a source of problems. When its blood supply is interrupted, symptoms such as severe pain and tenderness can mimic appendicitis. And of course, an omentum enlarged with fat makes people look unsightly.
One might think it would be easy to get rid of that beer belly by removing the omentum, such as through liposuction. But that would be dangerous. Since the omentum is closely connected to the large intestines, its removal could cause damage. There is also a risk of peritonitis, an infection of the inner abdomen that is extremely serious and can be fatal.
If there's some excess omentum you'd rather not have, the old stand-bys of exercise and diet are the safest way to go. Your omentum will give up the fat naturally and that beer belly will -- with enough effort -- flatten out."0 -
Wow,bea-mil said:The Omentum
"Call it what you like: Beer belly, protruding gut, spare tire or other creative names. What you're referring to is the visible consequence of the omentum.
Often described as a "fatty apron," the omentum is a sheet of fatty tissue that hangs down in front of the intestines, providing a protective cushion.
Of course, many people have more protection than they need or is healthy for them. The omentum, technically the "greater omentum," is one of the main fat-storage depots in the body. It thickens with accumulating fat, expanding the skin into that well-known shape.
The omentum hangs down, like an apron, from the bottom of the stomach. Its lower edge descends to near the pelvis. It's folded, and the other point of attachment is to the transverse colon, just below the stomach. It varies greatly in thickness, depending on how much fat is stored there.
But the omentum isn't just a passive recipient of fat, a sometimes wayward padding. It's also packed with nutrients and growth-stimulating chemicals, along with stem cells, the "ancestral" cells that turn into various body tissues and organs.
The omentum has germ-fighting cells that migrate to infections in the abdomen. The omentum actually adheres to places of infection, helping to seal them off. For this role, the omentum has been dubbed "the policeman of the abdomen."
The omentum is a handy tool for surgeons, who use it as a kind of biological duct tape. Sections of omentum are grafted onto cut areas or lesions to help them heal. It's been used on the gastrointestinal tract, heart, spinal cord and brain.
The omentum can be also a source of problems. When its blood supply is interrupted, symptoms such as severe pain and tenderness can mimic appendicitis. And of course, an omentum enlarged with fat makes people look unsightly.
One might think it would be easy to get rid of that beer belly by removing the omentum, such as through liposuction. But that would be dangerous. Since the omentum is closely connected to the large intestines, its removal could cause damage. There is also a risk of peritonitis, an infection of the inner abdomen that is extremely serious and can be fatal.
If there's some excess omentum you'd rather not have, the old stand-bys of exercise and diet are the safest way to go. Your omentum will give up the fat naturally and that beer belly will -- with enough effort -- flatten out."
Hi Bea-Mil,
I've been
Wow,
Hi Bea-Mil,
I've been away for a minute and just saw your very very thorough explanation of the role the omentum plays.
Thank you soooo much... I must say you covered so many unanswered questions for me, so I have a much better idea now about the omentum.
Where did you find this info, from your doctor, internet? I've looked everywhere and couldn't find anything, so I am really impressed.
Thank you again.
Gratefully,\
Sharon0 -
This comment has been removed by the Moderatormsfanciful said:Wow,
Hi Bea-Mil,
I've been
Wow,
Hi Bea-Mil,
I've been away for a minute and just saw your very very thorough explanation of the role the omentum plays.
Thank you soooo much... I must say you covered so many unanswered questions for me, so I have a much better idea now about the omentum.
Where did you find this info, from your doctor, internet? I've looked everywhere and couldn't find anything, so I am really impressed.
Thank you again.
Gratefully,\
Sharon0 -
omentum removalmsfanciful said:Wow,
Hi Bea-Mil,
I've been
Wow,
Hi Bea-Mil,
I've been away for a minute and just saw your very very thorough explanation of the role the omentum plays.
Thank you soooo much... I must say you covered so many unanswered questions for me, so I have a much better idea now about the omentum.
Where did you find this info, from your doctor, internet? I've looked everywhere and couldn't find anything, so I am really impressed.
Thank you again.
Gratefully,\
Sharon
I am glad to know I am not alone in this search for omentum info. Let me add this: I had a total hysterectomy,including removal of the omentum, Stage IVB endometrial cancer, followed by radiation and chemo. This is what my oncologist told me: the cancer had spread to omentum but in a way I was lucky. Unlike other 'organs' the cancer in the omentum does not spread from there. It acts like a dam, trapping the cancer in there. So although technically I am stage IVB because it spread outside the pelvis, he considers me IIIC, because it spread to the omentum where it stops. Also in lymph nodes, but that's another story.
Good luck to everyone on this site. Quite a trip this cancer, right?!
Amy0 -
atypicalakm52 said:omentum removal
I am glad to know I am not alone in this search for omentum info. Let me add this: I had a total hysterectomy,including removal of the omentum, Stage IVB endometrial cancer, followed by radiation and chemo. This is what my oncologist told me: the cancer had spread to omentum but in a way I was lucky. Unlike other 'organs' the cancer in the omentum does not spread from there. It acts like a dam, trapping the cancer in there. So although technically I am stage IVB because it spread outside the pelvis, he considers me IIIC, because it spread to the omentum where it stops. Also in lymph nodes, but that's another story.
Good luck to everyone on this site. Quite a trip this cancer, right?!
Amy
Amy, I too was diagnosed as an atypical stage IV. I wonder if really makes a big difference anyhow. After struggling with my recurrence I now believe it is all depends on how well your cancer responds to the chemo. We ovarian women don't usually get radiation though.0
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