Question:
Does anyone keep on getting strictures like me???

I am 4 years post op. I had an ulcer last March. It is healed but I keep on getting partial stricture at the pouch and sm bowel. I keep vomitting and have lost alot of weight. My Doc keeps on opening up but it closes down again. Anybody else have this problem? My next alternative is surgery and I am thinking about it.Thanx Lisa G    — lisa G. (posted on June 27, 2009)

June 27, 2009
Hi Lisa, YES... I keep getting the strictures also. Had my RNY 7/01/08. I have an awful time with them. I have lost 120lbs. But can not eat solid food. I drink most of my protein and eat soft-smooth things.. I am having and EDG & colonoscopy this next week. I have had this done already four (4) times since October. I have heard of a few that have had to have this done many more times. For anyone getting a little nervous about this..I WOULD DO MY SURG OVER IN A HEART BEAT !! DO NOT let this scare any of yous!! It is just a malfuntion of MY body. My Dr is wonderful..
   — tootsie52

June 27, 2009
Hi Lisa! I am 7 yrs post op...and for the first 2 to 2-1/2 yrs after my RNY I was plaqued with multiple strictures. (I believe the count got up to 6 or 7 of them during that time period. Luckily after the 6th or 7th one was fixed...it never came back again. However, I have had friends that continued to get them for years...so dont feel alone! Just make sure you dont let yourself get dehydrated....since you have had multiple strictures then you are already familiar with that "old" feeling you get when it starts happening again. Pay attention to your body...and watch for the signs...and get treatment right away. Keep talking to your gastroenterologist...and talk to your surgeon who did your WLS....keep on top of it...and if you dont like the answers you get from one doctor...talk to another. Just dont feel like you are alone in this. I have heard of many people have it go on for years. Mine luckily only went on for the 2-2.5 yrs (that was LONG enough for me!)...so I feel terrible about your situation...and I am right there with you (just thinking about everything I went through with mine)...It stinks!
   — JEANINE_RNY_2002

June 29, 2009
Hi Lisa, I too suffer with strictures. I am 14 months out from open RNY and I think I have been in to have them dilated either 9 or 10 times, I have lost tract. I have also had gastric bezoars which can block the stoma opening. I would still have the surgery all over in a heart beat!!! I have lost 145 lbs. Good luck to you and keep us posted. Ana Villa, RN
   — nursevilla