Question:
Is it possible to avoid getting a stricture?

I was just reading about strictures in the library section of this site because I didn't know what they were and saw several references to them in various posts. I am only 3 and 1/2 weeks post op and KNOW that I DO NOT want to have a stricture!!! I am not having problems with food; I am just getting off blended foods this week. Is there something I should do as I begin other foods to avoid this problem?    — Brenda A. (posted on May 25, 2002)

May 25, 2002
I had 2 strictures and my doc told me that there was no way to avoid them. It was just the 'really good healers'. What happens is that we over-heal and it just closes up. I wouldn't worry too much about it, they only happen in about 5% of WLS's.
   — Cheri M.

May 26, 2002
Something that was explained to me by my surgeon was that when we eat hard foods too early post op, they "bump" against the stoma and can cause scar tissue. This can sometimes be a cause of the strictures. That's why most doctors will keep you on liquids, purees, etc... and is one reason I followed my diet instructions to the letter! Many times, however, people follow the rules and still develop strictures. To be on the safe side, I would follow the diet advancement instructions, this would seem to lessen the risk. Shelley
   — Shelley.

May 27, 2002
I will have to disagree with Shelleys' doctor, sorry Shelly:~). My surgeon requires us to eat before being discharged, and we progress to 'stage 3 diet' when released. This is just about any food for the exception of meats, salads and foods with a casing until week 4. Everyone does very well on this and has caused no ill-effects. My surgoeon lower statistics of strictures than the WLS population. Out of 300 patients, he has had less than 10 cases. I had heard that strictures occur in about 6% of the WLS population. His statistics come out to be much less, something like 3%, so about half. They even encourage to go eat something solid after the dilation to 'encourage' the opening to stay open.
   — Cheri M.

May 28, 2002
Hi Brenda, I was so sure I was going to get a stricture or a blockage. It was my main fear because I was 6 hours from my surgeon's office. At 5 months out everything has been perfect as I'm sure it will be for you. Don't worry about it (yeah right :-) Try not to anyway and take one day at atime. In acouple months you'll feel free as a bird :-)
   — crishsapig