Possible stricture at 17 months

First of all - I can't believe it's 17 months since I had this wonderful surgery and am amazed at the changes. I started with feeling and being that I would be good and compliant - but then again I have the fat brain and have messed up a bit - though I have not gained (thank God). Things since surgery - had my gallbladder taken out and recently had my tonsils taken out (they were bothering me so bad that I didn't want to leave them alone). So I barely ate during that time and was taking my medication for the pain (liquid codeine). And all of a sudden started having some incredible abdominal pains with increasing duration when I tried to eat regular foods. 5 episodes with the last having to call 911 (I'll spare ya the details) and that episode was over 4 hours long!! So I waited for the Monday after the Saturday that I had my episode and called my surgeon's office and they had me come in and I spoke to Dr. Overcash. And he ordered a CT scan and an endoscopy (pending to happen 3/8) to find out what is happening but when the nurse came in...said it was a stricture. So now Im on week 3 of soft foods and liquids and so far as I stay that way I'm doing good but if I try to eat anything heavier I have pain. My non-medical friends' medical opinion is that I have a ulcer....but I'm gonna believe my doc...and stick it out and see what the scope says - cause I know the pain is REAL!!!!!!!!! This is certainly odd....if anything!! And I'm going crazy with the "diet". Imagine when you're a newbie ya hear people how tired they get out of the liquid/soft food stage - and Im on week 3 at 17months...so I could use a hug... PS: I had the CT scan which showed that everything was normal but the Madeline (nurse) said it was still a stricture - so the endoscopy procedure is still on on Wednesday - so I should be "alright" after that. Will keep everyone posted.

Ruthy, I am so sorry you are going through all this so far out, but I guess our bodies are a weird entity and will always be that way. I'm glad you went to see Dr. O and he is getting you some answers. I havent been back to see him since last Spring and I'm dreading that next visit since I am still not at goal ! I have been so lucky post-op, only experience the typical adjusting to certain foods, occasional bouts of horrible heartburn and of course, horrendous gas, but I know why that happens and I can only point the finger at myself. I have developed hives since surgery on a regular basis, we still cant determine what causes them, but after 2 Benadryl and an hour or so, I'm usually better. Last night, I had my worst episode ever, I was covered from the top of my head to my knees with welts and itched like crazy, my boyfriend didn't know what to do with me. I would have given my world for relief, but then again I see what you are going through and feel lucky that I am only itchy, not in pain. I have my photo release all ready to send, you should get that this week. Funny how a trip to the post office is such a chore these days, I'm such a victim of online convenience now. Thanks for your patience. Please keep us posted on how your scope session goes and I hope you get relief very soon. Amy sending some pixie dust your way

hi ruth, i'm pre op. but i sure can feel for you. i hope you start feeling better.i hope that your endoscopy finds out whatever it is. marty

Hi! I'm new to OH. I am 2 years post op. I had my surgery in Conn., but have since moved to FL. My CT doctor says I need a FL doctor for followups, but no FL doctor will take me. Anyway, about 6 months ago I started getting severe ab pain (upper ab, above belly button, below ribs) can't really pin point it, it was the entire area. So much pain it sent me to the ER 2 X. They couldn't find anything, they did blood work, CT scan, Endosc., ultrasound, xrays. Nothing. I went to a gastro doctor and nothing there either. They went away and I just got another one last week. Lasted about 6 hours, then vanished into thin air. I have no idea what they are, but I have to assume they are gastric bypass related. Nobody I know that has had the surgery have had such pains. Does this sound like what you're having?

Ruth, Hi! So sorry that you are having this problem. I hope that Dr. O will find out the source of your pain and fix it for you! Doesn't it always really help to have some concrete data that "proves" that you are not crazy and imagining the pain! Hold on Ruth! I'll be praying that you get an answer from the endo and you will feel better soon! Kat