Question:
How many times wasthe balloon dilation procedure done to get rid of strictures?

I had the balloon dilation with steroid shot Monday for a stricture I developed after my July lap rny. I am still having trouble with solid protein. How often does the procedure usually have to be done to finally completely rid the esophagus of the strictures? I am very happy about being off my Diabetes meds and Insulin and the 44lb weight loss, so far; but am concerned about the strictures. It is very painful and due to not being able to eat enough solid protein, my energy level is still low causing me not to exercise as much and I hit a plateau. I am frustrated and worried.    — ellen L. (posted on October 2, 2003)

October 2, 2003
Hey Ellen - I had a stricture and had a dilitation but thankfully only needed it done one time. The doctor told me that if you develop a stricture, there's a good chance that you'll need to have it done several times but that wasn't the case for me. I'll tell you that even after I had the procedure done, I was expecting to start eating and drinking again like before, but it took me a few weeks before I was back to normal. I was a bit surprised by that. Good luck to you! - Mike
   — Michael N.

October 2, 2003
It may take more than one dilation....the average is two times and the most is usually three for it to stay open.However there are some people who have to have repeat dilations.Me included as I have had 5 dilations so far but this is rare.Some people do end up having to have the stoma connection surgically redone due to repeat dilation failure to stay open.
   — jennifer A.

October 2, 2003
Hi, I just had my 5th scope in 8 weeks due to an ulcer caused by vioxx which inflamed the stoma and small intestine. So far so good since the 5th one. Sometimes people are overhealers our bodies want to heal openings so continued scoping is done while the healing is in process. I am taking Aciphex for the ulcer and it looks like the 5th scope has taken well. Take Care and I'm a chicken...the scope is nothing to worry about at all.
   — Karen Renee