Question:
Recurring strictures even after revision, what next?

Had original lap RNY in March 09. Strictures started in June and had 6 scopes and dilations until revision surgery on Feb 2, 2010. Revised pouch and anastamosis. Had a stricture 2 weeks after with another dilation and am now scheduled for ANOTHER dilation next week. Anyone have this problem and what's the next step? Or is there any?    — lisaandgenosmom (posted on March 18, 2010)

March 18, 2010
Please post your answers, I am sick a lot too. I had one dilation and in the Dr office a lot for nausea and barfing. Now I can't eat too much, I feel sick when I do and now I am losing weight like crazy.
   — FSUMom

March 18, 2010
I personally have not had this issue, but a friend of mine who had RNY in June of 2008 has. In her original surgery a nerve to the stomach was cut so this caused additional problems. Basically her stomach died and now she has no stomach. They removed the stomach and part of the small intestine and attached the remaining intestine to her esophagus. She was told this should solve all the issues to include the strictures. Guess what...she had another stricture recently and had to go through a dilation. So I think that in her case there is no solution. I think your best bet is to talk to your surgeon specifically. So sorry you are going through this. Watching my friend with all of her problems just breaks my heart.
   — lmw9674

March 19, 2010
Has your surgeon or Gi specialist injected a drug called kenelog into the scar tissue. It is a steroid and helps decrease the inflammation process of scar tissue, it also help to soften it to dilate to a larger mm. I had 5 dilations and after the 4th with kenalog he was able to get to 18mm. I also would reccomend a GI specialist if you are still using your surgeon for the dilations. Good luck
   — bubbylucy

March 19, 2010
I had the band in 2002. It was placed to tight and crooked; therefore causing a lot of damage to the esophagus. (a fistula)This resulted in qualifying for a revision. There was so much damage to the esophagus that they had to attach everything really high- making the connection too tight. I had 4 dilations that lasted about a wk before the esophagus would close again. My GI doc had to create a new procedure to get mine to stay open. (later on, it even kept forming a spiderweb like thing trying to close it up. It took 17 procedures from May 08-Dec 08... but I have not had a problem since. I had 6 yrs of daily throwing up and pain prior to my doctor creating a new way... I didn't notice where you were from... I live in Dallas, TX.. if you live within traveling distance, you may want to check him out... If interested in a name... let me know best wishes Vicki / turtle829
   — turtle829

March 19, 2010
Thanks for all your responses so far. Hopefully when I see dr next week, she'll have more answers for me. I'll keep you all posted
   — lisaandgenosmom

February 16, 2012
Update finally! Ended up having restructure surgery in July of 2010. That seemed to do the trick until jan of 2012, had a stricture and had it dilated three times since the first one on jan 13. Surgeon says the best it'll ever be is at 14mm and now am scheded for a fourth in 3 weeks. Sounds like this is the way my life is going go be from now on..? Any help anyone
   — lisaandgenosmom