Stricture after gastric bypass

I am 7 weeks post subject total gastrectomy with a roux en y antastomiis. I had the surgery because I had severe gastroparesis. I had a lot of post surgerical complications. 2 collapsed lungs fluid in one lung which required a chest tube and pneumonia. 3 weeks post op I developed a stricture. I was vomiting and food was getting stuck. I was in the ER and a Dr. On the GI team did the balloon dilatation not my surgeon. 2 weeks later the scar closed up again. My surgeron refuses to help me even though I can only have liquids. I was told I'm on my own to find a GI doctor to do the procedure. I called my previous GI one week ago with no return call. I seems like from the posts I read the surgeon that did the surgery fixed the problem and not a outside GI. If my surgeon refuses to help me is that grounds for negligence? They know how weak and malnutrished I am.

At 7 weeks post op you are still under the care of your surgeon. So, he should be actively treating you for that stricture. Have you asked him why he refuses to help you?

Also, can you tell us what you are eating as far as liquids go? This will help to determine if there are other options that are higher in protein that will help you and can be suggested, until you can get this stricture resolved.

I have not asked him directly because he doesn't see any of his patients after surgery. Your assigned a PA. I've tried to send messages but I can never talk to him directly. I get a receptionist or a nurse calling me back. Ive been in the ER 6 times. The last two he didn't visit at all. My husband and I will call again tommorrow but if we get the same run around I guess we will have to get a lawyer. I'm only taking in 1 or 2 protein shakes a day and soup which has to be blended. I know I need more protein but I'm still nauseous despite being on 3 anti nausea meds. Going to the ER doesn't solve a thing they just give me fluids and send me home without a plan in place to fix the problem.

I would definitely follow up with the center and tell them you want to talk to the Dr. directly. Give them the chance to address your issues. When was the last time you saw the PA? Did you tell them your history of going to the ER and having to be dilated? I am sure you have, but they do have an obligation since you are sitll under their care, to treat you for all issues and complications.

As for foods, stick to protein shakes and soups for now. Try sipping on some bone broth, this has about 6-7 grams of protein and while it is not high in protein like your shakes, it will satisfy any cravings you could have due to being able to eat certain foods (meats). You can make some sugar free pudding, use a ready to drink protein shake in lieu of milk

I had a stricture and it did resolve on its own, but I can totally relate to how you feel. While you are not malnourished, you are feeling deprived and your diet progression is at a standstill because of this stricture.

I hope you can get this addressed and resolved, but you definitely do fall within the scope of care with your Bariatric Surgeon, so they should be addressing this issue for you.

Best of luck. Keep us updated, ok?

Nik

Thanks so much for your help. I called and emailed my surgeons office but I was only able to speak to the nurse. When I emailed the PA she said my surgeon does not do endoscpies and that she would try to get me in to see the GI who opened up the stricture a few weeks ago. He's the one who told me he would not scope me again and that I had to go back to my GI so I'm not sure if they will have any luck. I also called and emailed another surgeon who has done scopes on me in the past begging for help. I'll see if any of them call back. The surgeon who did the procedure is suppose to be the best in New York state. He has no bedside manner. I know he knows how to scope someone. It must be that he wants to concentrate his time on big surgeries for the money. It seems he really doesn't care how well his patients do after surgery. I'll try the bone broth. I am craving solid food but I won't eat it because I don't want to throw up.