Strictures

I had my Lap RNY 9/18/07 and ended up with a stricture 3 weeks later.  Dr. Holover told me it was down to 8mm, that was why I was unable to keep any food down.  He had to do 2 endoscopies to stretch it back out to 15mm.  The last one was 10/23.  Now I am feeling the same way again....I can't keep any solid foods (i.e. turkey meatballs, diet hotdogs, any sort of meat) but yogurt and sf pudding stay down fine.  But I am always feeling nauseated.  Has anyone had problems with strictures returning so quickly?  I am just worried about not getting the nutrition I need since I am trying to get my protein with food rather than so many supplements, but the meat thing doesn't seem to be working.  Any advice? Thanks, Michelle

Michele, I have heard that some people need to get "stretched" numerous times before their stricture is corrected. I guess some people tend to form more scar tissue than others. Are you able to get protein drinks to stay down? I would make sure that you are getting in your 45-60 grams of protein each day to keep up your strength, even if it means you have to get some of it through supplements. I would definitely call Dr. Holover if the nausea and difficulty eating continues. Don't wait too long because you don't want to have to go in as an emergency if possible.  Good luck. Hopefully you will get this problem under control soon. Dr. Holover is an excellent surgeon, so you are definitely in great hands.  Hugs, Lisa

Every one of your Dr's patients rave about him, so it seems that you are certainly in good hands. How about if you go back to purees if you are concerned about getting in your protein? In the beginning, I lived on pureed chile. Between the beans, cheese and meat, there is plenty of protein. For whatever reason it always stayed nicely in my tummy no matter what. This is a bump in the road for you and I know it is easier said than done.....but try to be patient. It won't always be like this and the end result will be worth it.

Michelle, Please call Dr. Holover immediately.  I had to be scoped twice, and he said it's not unusual for people to have to be have 3 or more endoscopies.  I  mean this in the nicest way possible--you need to call him as soon as problems start arising, not wait 2+ weeks.  I think there's another scope in your future--he'll probably keep you on liquids & soft till you can get it done--unfortunately next Thursday's Thanksgiving, but maybe he'll do it another day next week. He might also be able to give you something for the nausea.  You have a great doctor who's amazingly responsive; take advantage of it!  Please keep us posted. big hugs,

Thanks so much for all of your advice.  I am in touch with Donna who is notifying Dr. Holover.  I cannot believe this is happening again!  I guess I will be eating liquid turkey for the holiday!! Hugs to you all....and hapy pureed turkey day! Michelle

i loveeeeeeeeeee me some Dr. Holover! He is awesome..glad u called him. i had a stricture 2 weeks ago and was dilitated twice. once on sunday Dr. H came in that morning after me checking into the ER on Saturday night... and the 2nd one on the following Thursday. i was wondering if I would have a problem with it again or was this it?  Oh I hope the stricture doesn't ret urn!!!! It's such a pain in the butt trying to get someone to pick me up and drop me off at Mercy ( i live 45 miles away) not to mention the day without pay since i have no more sick time!! i wish you luck..........hope Dr. H can fix you up and get you back to normal. Keep us posted! ~Lisa

I went in yesterday (Thursday the 15th) to get stretched.  He actually had 14 patients that day!!!  And I was last and parched by the time I got done.  Hopefully this will be the last one, I am back up to 15mm and praying to stay there.  Since I am almost 8 weeks out, I hope the healing of the pouch is done and won't shrink anymore...even tho I do enjoy seeing Dr. Holover in his cute little blue scrubs.  The one nice thing about going to Mercy is seeing him, he makes the scenery so pleasant, as I see you agree! The stricture thing is all about your body and how it heals.  I guess I have superman healing tendencies, I dunno.  I just know that I can have turkey next week!!  Woo hoo! So far, so good, and I will keep all posted.  I'm going to Florida for the holidays so I want to be able to eat Mom's good old home cooking (in those tiny amounts) and visit Mickey and Goofy.   Happy Turkey Day to all!! Michelle