Question:
I had my stoma dilated yesterday. How long before I should try to eat?

Unfortunately the Dr. did not give me much information. He just told me I had stricture and needed to come back next week and have it dilated one more time and that I have an ulcer. Otherwise, he gove no indication of what or if I should try to eat. If anyone has had this done, can you please help.    — Buffaroo B. (posted on November 14, 2003)

November 14, 2003
Hi Buffey, No, I haven't had this happen - sorry, I'm a DS post-op, BUT, I do work in the medical field and have seen lots of post-ops go through this. The surgical team that I've worked for in the past always has their patients go to liquids to start with after a dilation, and then after a few days of that successfully, switch over to soft foods. Typically, the patient has been on soft foods for a couple of days by the time they return to the doctor, and then the doctor determines whether they need to stay where they're at or progress in terms of the types of foods they can have. Of course, best policy is to give your doc a ring and ask what he/she recommends. Blessings, dina
   — Dina McBride

November 14, 2003
I would call your Dr. and ask but I've had four dilitations and typically you can eat soft foods for about 48 hours after dilitation and then resume normal diet as tolerated. Good luck. Denise \280-155-150
   — denisel

November 14, 2003
I had a dilation two weeks ago and the doc came right out while I was still asleep and told my hubby that i could eat anything I wanted and shouldn't have any problem. Then when i woke up, he told me the same thing. Course, they are all different.
   — Delores S.

November 21, 2003
I am the queen of strictures. I have had 7 since my open rny 5 months ago. I was always told no food for 48 hours. Water or shakes, then back to food after 48 hours. I also just had a melon size hernia removed last week. One bit of good news is I am down 85 pounds. Take care, Kathy
   — Kathy R.