Question:
Do I have a stricture?

I am 2 weeks post op and feeling good. I can eat soup, mashed potato, and small amounts of chicken and meat. Occasionally though, when I eat chicken (especially when it's in a sauce for some reason), I end up getting the feeling like I have a lump in my throat. I drink water and end up puking the water back up again and it goes on for ages. It was so bad a few nights ago I just put my finger down my throat to vomit to relieve myself. Is this a stricture?    — Kelley F. (posted on June 26, 2002)

June 26, 2002
Two weeks sounds really soon to be eating meat. I was still on pureed foods i.e, baby food, yogurt, pudding etc., until week four. But if your doctor says it's ok for you, it sounds like maybe you are taking bites that are too big or not chewing it well enough.
   — Angie B.

June 26, 2002
I agree with the previous answer. Two weeks is really early for meats. I'm eight weeks post-op and still cannot tolerate chicken in any form. I had a stricture that required surgery two weeks post-op and I could not even keep my own saliva down much less any food or drink. I think in your case the chicken is getting stuck, not a stricture problem. Take it slow, chew very well and avoid chicken for awhile. Good luck and welcome to the lighter side!
   — Annette H.

June 26, 2002
Im 7 months post op, and if I'm not careful, I feel the same way after eating chicken! You really have to chew it thoroughly or it will feel like you've gotten something stuck - just remember how small the opening is and those bites need to be teeny tiny.
   — Tracie B.