Question:
FOBI-POUCH STRICTURE DIALATION OK?

I have read as much as I can on strictures but I have had a Fobi-Pouch RNY (March 5, 2003)almost 1 yr. post-op...and I am wondering if it is safe to have the dialiation done since there is a ring around my esophagus? I have not had much vomiting but some nausea at times, hard to swallow and painful just like everyone else etc. & until tonights weight loss of 18.6 lbs.(one wk.!!)at Weight Watchers(please see my profile), I have been at a pleateau since Thanksgiving, gaining-losing-gaining-losing the exact weight back and forth every week or just staying the same. Having periods more often also-like every 3 wks! I should be menopausing at 46 right? Eating as much as I can get down of all healthy foods, very lo to no excess fats added to menu etc. Had endoscopy done-was told by surgeon (who doesn't know anything about Gastric Surgeries etc.) that I had no stricture and everything looked good. Still having him send it to my Dr. who did the surgery tho to be sure. In the meantime I was hoping someone could enlighten me as to the safety factor with my ring and any experiences with this. I am happy tho with this crazy 1wk. wierd weight loss as I am now down 158lbs. since surgery last March -still have about 200 to go I guess. Any feedback would be VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!! Thank you All For Being There..Hally Sue    — Hally Sue N. (posted on February 19, 2004)

February 19, 2004
Well, from what you're said, it doesn't sound to me like you HAVE a stricture! Most people report vomiting every time they eat or drink, pain in the pouch, etc. You sound like you're eating plenty of food. As to whether it's safe from a Fobi patient to have a dilation---perhaps you should talk with your surgeon. I didn't have the Fobi, but my surgeon does that procedure and it was discussed in the seminar I attended. They way HE does it, not only is there a ring around the outside of the stoma (NOT the esophagus!) to keep it from stretching, there's tube of some sort INSIDE the stoma to keep it from becoming constricted. If you'd like to talk with some other Fobi patients, there's a message board at my surgeon's website, http://www.ccfos.com
   — MsBatt