Anybody else have a stricture after surgery?

After having WLS I was having buyer's remorse because everytime I ate I ended up vomiting.  I'd feel like I had a rock in my stomach and eventually get sick otherwise I wouldn't be able to drink anything at all.  I remember going to a nutrition class as Southdale and people were talking about what foods they could eat and thinking 'what? you can eat that?'  I figured this was just the way it was supposed to be.  A friend finally convinced me to call the clinic and they sent me for an upper GI and then endoscopy where they found a stricture from my pouch to intestines and they expanded it.  Oh my gosh I feel so much better!  What a difference being able to eat a little bit of food makes!  I have so much more energy and don't feel dizzy and light-headed anymore.  I'm hopeful that my weight loss will continue on even though I'm able to eat a bit more now (a whole 1/2c to 3/4c of food!).  I've done some research and seen that often people have to have this procedure done more than once as the stricture can come back.  Has anybody else had this issue? 

I had my first surgery 1/6/10 and right about the time to switch to soft solids I really had a tough time getting things to stay down.  I would eat a bite and sometimes wait 2 hours and try to drink and throw that up....It was horrible.  I didn't know if it was my choices or if I was doing something wrong.  I eventually ended up with an upper GI and then an endoscopy.  The doctor that did my endoscopy ended up puncturing my pouch so I had to have emergency revision with a different surgeon.  After my revision I feel incredible.  That was almost 6 weeks ago and within a week of surgery I could eat normally.  Hopefully it won't happen to you again.  It is a miserable feeling. 

Who did your revision surgery?

  Dr. Baker at Unity.  I was very fortunate that Unity happened to be the closest hospital.  I actually decided to switch programs.  I was very impressed with Dr. Baker and his staff and the whole program.  They gave me some of their materials after my surgery and I was blown away by how much more information and support was offered.  How many surgeons to you know that actually pass out their business card with their pager number on it and tells you to call if you have any questions.  Very impressive.

Wow, Christine, that is some journey so far..and Wow to that Dr too!

Glad to hear things are so much better for you!  How does one switch the program they're in?  Although I liked my surgeon, I'm not thrilled with some of the other support staff that I used and have thought about changing.  Thanks for the information!

My first surgery was with that clinic also.  I just really didn't have a connection with any of the staff there.  Dr. Pierce was great but you have to have great staff too.  I would just call where you want to switch to and see what they want to do.   You will need to get your medical records no matter where you go.  It will all depend on the clinic as to if they want you to come in and meet with someone or not.   I'm happy to answer any questions.  Best of luck!

yes, I had my first dilitation at 5 weeks switching from soups to soft solids. I then had another a week and half later. I am now doing very well. Still a challenge, adding in new foods. Things still get stuck but then I back off that item. The scary part for me is I feel like I can eat more than I could before. TOnite I was able to eat 2 cups of food and have never had a feeling of "full" yet.

I had 2 strictures after surgery and after each one was opened I felt much better, I went a long time not feeling good and not able to eat much at all. Call your doctor if you feel the same thing happening again! Good luck to you!