Question:
Should I get scoped?? Surgeon will not advise one way or the other.
I had surgery on 7/2/03 and have consistently had a difficult time keeping down solids. Some days I'll puke 5 or 6 times and other days not at all. But I nearly *always* have problems with anything solid. My stomach does well with liquids and pureed foods, but cannot keep down the types of meals I should be having at 2 months post op (deli meats, soft vegetables, soups, etc) My surgeon said that I probably have a partial stricture or tightening of my anastamosis, but that it may relax and go away on its own if I try a liquid diet for another 6 weeks. However, he says that apx 1/4 of people who try liquids for 6 weeks end up having to get scoped in the end anyway. My husband is quitting his job this week and we won't have insurance to cover an endoscopy in 6 weeks. I'm wondering if I should go ahead with it now and I'm extremely frsutrated because my surgeon will not advise either way - he says *I* have to make the decision. I feel unqualified to make this decision and am wondering if any of you have advice/experience with this. I don't want to go ahead with it if it's unneccessary, but I'd prefer to get it over and done with if it's going to immediately make a significant positive impact on my eating and is going to save me $1500 in the long run. Please help ASAP!!! If I go ahead with getting scoped, I need to schedule an appointment tomorrow morning at the latest. — Tiffany J. (posted on September 15, 2003)
September 15, 2003
A scope is such a nothing procedure that I would go for it if I was in the
same position as you. Then at least you will know. It is not that
uncommon to have some problems. I went the first 6 weeks with not problems
eating and I was put on solid food at 7 days. Then at 6 weeks I started
throwing up about 1 meal a day. It eventually got better but took a good 2
months to go away. In hindsight I was just eating too fast for the thicker
denser things. I was scoped at about 12 weeks which showed things were
okay but the surgeon did decide to dilate me a little, which helped. But
slowing down and listening to my pouch helped the most.
— zoedogcbr
September 15, 2003
I know just how you're feeling, I was scoped last week to open up a partial
stricture, caused by scar tissue. My RNY was 6/24/03 and I was able to eat
solids until in August the solids started coming back up. But some days
were better than others. Then pureed started coming up. My surgeon's nurse
practioner saw me and had me go for a scope that afternoon. The relief was
immediate and I was able to eat solids the next day. I gotta say, I've been
lurking on this site for many months and I don't remember ever reading
about a partial stricture that "went away". I'd get scoped if I
were you. Best wishes, Lisa.
— LisaHillsinger
September 15, 2003
Go for it now! The stricture, if you do have one, may go away on it's own,
but it also might get worse. It is nothing difficult or painful to go
through, and I bet you will feel much better after it is done.
— koogy
September 15, 2003
Definately get scoped.They are not a big deal as they are done
outpatient.I've had 5 in 3 months.One was completely closed and the rest
have been partial.Your pouch might be still producing acid which can not
only cause a stricture but can irritate a partial stricture, causing it to
close up even more.An endoscopy can show if this might be the problem among
other things.
— jennifer A.
September 15, 2003
hi,
I have been experiencing the same exact feelings you have with the food. I
would eat something more on the solid side boy did it get stuck. I got
scoped today, and yes I had a sticture, so the opened it up a bit. i
haven't tested the waters yet today with solid food. But i do believe you
should get it done. And it wasn't bad at all ....I am a BIG chicken.. So go
for it and save yourself alot of worry and money if your insurance is going
to run out..
T
— Teresa T.
September 16, 2003
Thanks guys! I've decided to go ahead with it and really appreciate all of
your comments and advice. One quick follow-up question - some of you
mentioned having it done several times. Is it normal to have to get it
RE-done after the initial endoscopy? If so I'd better start saving up! :)
— Tiffany J.
September 16, 2003
Take it from me!!!!! I just got my 4th stricture scoped yesterday, at
exactly 13 weeks out. I started having strictures at 6 weeks out, and get
one partially or completely closed, every 2 weeks!!!!! I don't know if they
will ever stop every 2 weeks!!! GO GET SCOPED!!!!! You'll feel soooooooooo
much better. Get someone to drive you, ask for Versaid, and you'll never
remember a thing. I was totally awake for my first 2 scopes, coz, I had to
drive myself. Not good. Get a driver, Versaid, and feel nothing. I know,
I've had 4 scopes!!! Best of luck, sweetie. Take care, Kathy
Riffle........Open RNY....295/235/175...13 weeks out of surgery
— Kathy R.
September 16, 2003
One dilation may due the trick but it usually takes two times.Sometimes it
can take three times or more.Although after three or more dilations without
success the g.i. doc will usually suggest a surgical option instead.As
repeated dilations can disrupt the staple line.
— jennifer A.
September 17, 2003
Go Get Scoped! I had the exact same problem at 4 wks out. I waited until
6 wks to get scoped, it only got worse. I found out not only did I have
stricture but an ulcer too. I would not wait. It does not hurt you will
feel better immediately. I only needed once so far and it has been 2 months
since I had it done. Also, my surgeon informed me that not being able to
eat solids at 2 months out due to a stricture would slow the weight loss
because of not eating. I hope you do it soon, what is the point of
waiting.
— Lisa G.
Click Here to Return