Developed Stricture Week 4

I had gastric bypass surgery on 7/14/06. Last week I started soft solids and was unable to keep any foods down including water. I ended up back in the hospital for dehydration after vomiting for a week and had to have an upper endoscopy. The gastroenterologist had to go down with a balloon to stretch the stricture which was the size of the cap of a pen. No wonder why the food kept coming up. It wouldn't go down. At this point, I haven't eaten in 13 days and am completely miserable. I am on a clear liquid diet only. I have to have the upper endoscopy repeated on 8/16/06. Hopefully I will be able to eat after that. I am currently down 33 pounds, but it hasn't been easy. Wish me luck.

Good luck lisa and I'll be praying for you..It's scary to know that there are complications..Im almost 3 weeks out, and I have had no problems at all, but I know that im early out and I could easily be in your shoes..Stay postive and it will all work out in the end.. Vanessa

Thanks. I am scheduled to have another upper endoscopy tomorrow and dilation to stretch the stricture again. I haven't eaten in 14 days (only clear liquids) and I can't drink another sip of chicken broth and I don't think I will ever eat jello again. Hopefully the gastroenterologist won't put me back on clears after the procedure. Lisa

Lisa, I also had a stricture at 4 weeks. I had EGD done 8/7 and have been doing great since. The dr said I may have to have it done again later, but so far so good. Hang in there because there is light at the end of the tunnel. I haven't thrown up but once since and my energy level is starting to come back. Good luck!

Thanks for responding. The last 2 weeks have been the worst. I haven't eaten in 14 days and I am so weak. I have been on clear liquids only and I don't think I can take another sip of chicken broth or eat jello ever again. I have a 2nd EGD scheduled for tomorrow with dilation since my stricture couldn't be stretched far enough last week. I am hoping the gastroenterologist allows me to eat after that. Lisa

Hey Lisa, Just wondering how everything went yesterday? Your in my thoughts and prayers! Janet

I have the Endoscopy yesterday and they were able to stretch my stricture to where it was supposed to be. Best of all, I am able to eat again. Just one day of eating and I feel much better. Thanks!

I can understand your pain - I too found out yesterday I have a stricture, and underwent the same procedure. The DR showed us pictures and my opening was 4mm, he used the balloon to stretch it and it's now 10mm. I have to go back and repeat this in two weeks. Janet