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Hi April,

Actually, your hiatal hernia may well have been 'fixed' during your surgery and the GERD should abate since you won't have the acid issues that you had before, but many surgeons put their patients on an acid reducer like prilosec for at least a year post op. It is my understanding people that have significant GERD may have more stricture issues, but I would ask your dr about it. 

Wishing you all the best!

Hi April,

While it isn't common to develop a stricture is not rare either. I have not personally had to have a diliation, but my mother who never had WLS, had serious issues with GERD that caused significant scaring and resulted in strictures. She had to have dilations. They would give her a 'twilight' medication to sedate her and provide her with an anesthetic, then perform the dilation. She didn't feel or really remember the procedures. After the procedure, she had some hoarseness and some minor discomfort that was managed with Tylenol. She also had significant relief. 

I hope that helps.

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS on your absolutely phenomenal weight loss.  It's normal to have the feelings and concerns that you have and you are right, it does only get better. My program is probably as strict as yours... I was on clear liquids and protein shakes for the first 3.5 weeks. I could couldn't have a salad until I was about 3 months out. No rice, pasta, potatoes, et****il I was about 6 months out.

When I first had my surgery, I had a few 'melt-downs' when I thought OMG, what have I done? I'll never be able to eat normally again. What was I thinking? That said, it DOES GET BETTER. That is the good news. As your pouch heals, as your intestinal system matures, you will be able to eat more and a wider range of foods. I encourage you to take this time to become aware and accountable. This can mean different things to different people and you will have find what works for you, but do be sure to develop an awareness of what you are eating, how much, what the nutrional and caloric content of what you are consuming is... it's really important. I used to log what I ate all the time and in doing so, I really learned how much a serving of most things really is, I also learned the 'value' of most of what I eat. The other thing is learning to be accountable. You know that I almost never got on a scale, payed attention to what the 'value' was of what I was eating or now how much I was eating. Everyone has their own way of being accountable. Some people post what they are having on the forums, Some get on the scale every day. Find the way the works for you and do it. It's so very important. 

The other thing that's important is learning to find a way to identify your triggers and find ways to manage them. You can do this. I use and highly recommend the 'Beck Diet Solution' by Dr. Judith Beck. It is supposed to be a six week program. I think it took me about 6 months to get through it, but I refer to it regularly. You don't have to use it, but it is important to find some way to identify your triggers and manage them. If you do this, you are very, very likely to not only get off all of the excess pounds, but also keep them off. 

I can eat almost anything and to be honest, many post surgery patients can. That can be both good and bad.  That is a double-edged sword. I am glad that I can eat whatever I want, but it means I have to be very careful. I can regain my weight if I eat too much and succumb to comfort eating... I've done it and learned from it and am maintaining my weight, but I have to be always aware and vigilent. 

I hope that this doesn't scare and does help you. 

Please feel free to keep 'venting', asking questions and sharing your thoughts and concerns.

Wishing you continued success,