Strictures and ulcers?

I was just reading the post and replies about these two things. I noticed some of you are very recent WLS and one is from 2004. What causes these problems and how do we prevent them? I am about six weeks out and haven't had any major problems. I'm extremely care about what I eat but certainly hope I'm not doing anything to cause these problems. Any info. would be appreciated!

Strictures:
An esophageal stricture is a gradual narrowing of the esophagus, which can lead to swallowing difficulties. The strictures are caused by scar tissue that builds up in the esophagus.

When the lining of the esophagus is damaged, scarring develops. When scarring occurs, the lining of the esophagus becomes stiff. In time, as this scar tissue continues to build up, the esophagus begins to narrow in that area. The result then is swallowing difficulties.

One of the conditions that can lead to esophageal strictures is gastroesophageal reflux disease. Excessive acid is refluxed from the stomach up into the esophagus. This causes an inflammation in the lower part of the esophagus. Scarring will result after repeated inflammatory injury and healing, re-injury and rehealing. This scarring will produce damaged tissue in the form of a ring that narrows the opening of the esophagus.

 

Causes, incidence, and risk factors of esophageal strictures:

• Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
• Prolonged use of a nasogastric tube
• Ingestion of corrosive substances
• Viral or bacterial infections
• Injuries caused by endoscopes

Symptoms of Esophageal Strictures

• Difficulty swallowing
• Discomfort with swallowing
• A felling that food gets stuck in the esophagus
• Regurgitation of food
• Weight loss

Hope this helps...right from a medical board

Maria
-225

If you have time look at some past posts and there will be more info! good luck

There is also the stricture of the stoma, which you can't control because of the scar tissue.. Some get them, some don't. I thought I had one, but it ended up being an ulcer. To prevent an ulcer, follow your surgeon's rules about the meds. I was on Prevacid for the first 2 months post op. They took me off, but I still got an ulcer after. I didn't take any NSAIDs. Some get them, some don't.  Again, just follow the surgeon's rules to minimize the possibliities.

I am over four years out, and was recently diagnosed with both. I've had almost constant vomiting for quite a while which contributed to and made both worse. I had been on Nexium since Aug 2004, but earlier this year it was determined it was making me sick. From what I have been told, it is not meant to be a long term solution. (Just what I have been told. It can interfere with iron absorption which is something we already have issues with).

Hope this helps!