Possible Stricture

I had my WLS on 11-14-06 (10 weeks out) and have lost 62 lbs to date. I thought things were going pretty smoothly until I graduated to heavier foods such as baked fish and tuna. Then that's when my problems began. I can tolerate peanut butter/crackers and hard cheese/crackers and anything I was eating before this with no problem. But when I try baked fish, sometimes tuna salad, and then (as of last night) boiled shrimp, I cannot keep anything down. If it manages to stay down and I drink water (after waiting an hour after I eat), then the water and what I ate comes right back up. So after talking to my dr's office this morning, I found out that it is possible I may have a stricture. I was told bulkier foods should not be giving me a problem at this stage. I have trouble getting in my protein and my water because of this. Therefore, the scale has stalled also. I have been stuck in the 250's for a week now with only a 1 lb. loss this week. I have been losing between 6-7 lbs a week. So now I am scheduled for an EGD in the morning! Just when I thought I was thru with hospitals!!! (Had a severe kidney stone attack 4 weeks after my bypass!) Is anyone else having this problem? any trouble advancing to the next stages of foods? Thanks for all your help, Deidrah

Deidrah, I am having problems advancing my foods.... I probably get sick at least once every other day... then I go back to basics for a day or two, then try again and up it comes... I never thought about the fact that I may have a stricture... I see my doctor again in a few weeks and I will talk to them about it then....unless of course it gets worse.... I AM getting my protein and water in because I am eating a lot of soft foods still, because other foods are giving me problems..... Something for me to think about.... I hope all goes well tomorrow and you get everything taken care of. Keep us posted... Shawn M.

Thanks for the reply, Shawn. I have really good days and then really bad days. If I stick to the peanut butter and cheese, then my days are good. Otherwise.....here it comes! I would definitely call the dr to find out for sure. I waited, thinking I was doing something wrong. But finally I called and they knew right away what was wrong. I'll post tomorrow after I find out the results. Deidrah

I thought I was just eating too fast, but I can eat the soft foods, like peanut butter without a problem. It is other foods, like chicken, tuna, salmon and anything of substance that I have a hard time with and it usually comes back up. I just figured I was either not chewing good enough, my food wasn't moist enough or I was eating fast. Maybe I should contact my doctors office and see what they say. I am getting so tired of eating these soft foods all the time.... Let me know what happens when you go to the doctor's tomorrow.... Thanks... Shawn M.

Hi Shawn, I have what I think is great news!!!! I had a stricture the size of a pen hole in my stomach that would only let a bite or two of food through!!!! He took before and after pics that showed what size it was before and how big it is now. It looks huge now!!!!! I've tried to eat the same food I was having trouble with before and now it goes down with no problem!!!!! My doc told me that it was going to make a huge difference and I feel wonderful!!!!! Please check with your doctor and tell him exactly what's been happening. Mine kinda fussed at me for waiting so long (4 weeks)! If anyone else is having this problem, please, please, PLEASE call your doctor. You could have a stricture and not even know it!!!! Thanks, Deidrah PS Shawn, I LOVE your new pic!!!! You look fabulous!!!!!

Thanks Deidrah.... Glad you are feeling better and they were able to help you. I did call my doctor yesterday and I do have an appointment for a scope... I posted a thread about it.... so I did call and it will get taken care of. I wi**** were sooner but my appointment is not until Valentines day.... At least I am getting this problem looked at.... Thanks again for all your insight and advice... Shawn M.