Update on stricture & everything else

Hi everyone,

I know it has been a long time!  I had bypass in July & developed a stricture about 5 weeks out (thanks Karen M. for the advice). The first treatment didn't work, but the second one did and I am doing so well. I have the odd issue here and there when something gets caught and has to come back up, but I think that can often be traced to eating too fast.  I went to Cuba over the holiday break and did great (and enjoyed myself immensely). Almost 90 pounds down now!

Even with the mainly-liquid diet all those months, my 3 month blood work results were great. This is pretty much down to the dietician in Sudbury. If I could do one thing differently it would have been to get help from the clinic earlier and not rely so much on my surgeon.  My 6 month follow up is next month and I'm looking forward to it.  I also have a follow-up once a month with my own nurse practitioner and this has helped out a lot too.  I'm happy to say that at our appointment last week my blood pressure has finally come down to 120/80! It was the only thing that wasn't improving.

Would I do it all again? Yes, yes I most definitely would.  I'm glad I had over a year to prepare. The waiting seemed never ending at times, but in retrospect I needed the time. I tried to use it wisely - I made small changes and tried to reflect on what my food addiction really meant. I'm still worried that I'll relapse, but I do my best to use this tool everyday to ensure my long term health. I still need help here and there, but I'm getting better at asking for help.

Way to go NorthernFire! Congratulations on your success and your tremendous self-awareness!  You are an inspiration to a pre-op like me (my surgery is scheduled for February 4th).  xxoo

All the best for health and continued success!! 

Congratulations on doing so well. You have some really good points for pre-ops. Sometimes rushing through isn't an advantage. I am glad you are now healing and doing well