Question:
how long to heal after dialtion?

if you have to have a BALOON DIALATION FOR A STRICTURE DOES THIS SET YOU BACK TO NEWLY POSTOP FOR YOUR DIET AND FOR HOW LONG SHOULD YOU EAT PUREED. ALSO HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE A NOTHER STRICTURE TO FORM BETWEEN DIALTION OF A STRICTURE. YES I CAN ASK MY SURGEON BUT WOULD LIKE TO HEAR IT FROM EXPIERIENCE RATHERE THAT TEXTBOOK. THANKS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL....RACH    — Rachel F. (posted on January 4, 2002)

January 3, 2002
Hi, I had 2 strictures just recently and my surgeons have found that eating solids right after the dilations 'encourages' the opening to stay open. They said if you pamper it by eating puree it is likely to close again. The first time I was scared to eat, and it started closing right away. The second time I went and got a chick-fil-a sandwich and have had no problems. Of course the average dilation is twice anyway, so my data is not scientific by no means. But they did say that they have found solids to work best. Of course I would always follow doc's orders. Good luck.
   — Cheri M.

January 3, 2002
Hi Rachel - I also had to have two dilations...my first was at 4 weeks post op & my second was at 9 weeks post op. I agree with the previous post. I was still on puree foods after the first and it seemed to scare over fairly quickly. I was placed on a more solid diet right after the second dilation and I have not had a problem since. I am now 7 months post op....down 95 #s and feeling pretty darn good. Good Luck!!
   — chance2lv

January 4, 2002
Dear Rachel, I just had my second dilatation last week and started eating everything right away. Enjoy!!
   — lori T.