Possible Stricture?

[melps 26]

Maybe stricture- I have been having an incredibly difficult time. RNY surgery date was 9-28. It was a breeze at first. I got 60 oz Water in right away. Then 80-100 oz of water daily. Then at about three weeks I had extreme me nausea. Then diarrhea and dry heaves. Then dehydrated. Then a fecal impaction. I am on Zofran which helps. Having an EGD tomorrow. They think I have a stricture. Anyone else have this? It does get better right?

Edited November 15, 2015 by melps

[James Marusek 5,244]

Strictures occur in about 5-20 percent of gastric bypass patients. They usually occur several weeks to months after surgery. They can be managed with endoscopic dilation. An endoscopy or upper GI tests will help with the diagnosis.

[melps 26]

Thanks. Did you have one/many? Are you better?

[bugsy72 117]

My doctor talked about them and it seems like they just go in and enlarge the opening with a special type of balloon, and you'll be on your way again. I pray that's the case for you.

[Daisee68 2,493]

I had one (and thanks to @JamesMarusek for suggesting it when I was in the ER having not held down food or Water for 4 days.). The EGD is super easy and super fast. I was asleep maybe 10 minutes. There was such a small opening at the bottom of my stomach she nearly went able ringer the tube through. But she did and they us a balloon to dilate it. First Dr dilated to a 9mm and then went to a GI specialist the next week who expanded it to 15mm opening . I felt better immediately! My first Dr required liquid for a week but searching around here, most drs aren't that conservative and most went back to regular diet right away. I took a lot if Zofran and FYI OT makes Constipation worse so be sure you are taking at least a stool softener if not laxatives. So yes, take heart. It does get better and is a quick fix! Best wishes and let us know tomorrow how you are doing.

[melps 26]

How many did you have to have?

[Daisee68 2,493]

Just emailed you. Only twice but 2ND Dr said he felt like it could have all been done the first time. I just think some drs are more conservative than others (which frankly was fine with me. I prefer conservative.)

[foodfighter78 258]

I had a stricture 2 months after surgery. They enlarge 2 times. Now I'm 8 months out and I'm suspecting a stricture again. Do you think is possible?

[Daisee68 2,493]

I did read another post on here that someone did have it come back after many months so I think it is possible. I can't remember who said it though.

[foodfighter78 258]

I did read another post on here that someone did have it come back after many months so I think it is possible. I can't remember who said it though.

I try to look because I also remember someone saying this, but I can't find it. My doctor is an idiot he doesn't believe me, I can't eat or drink very well, I keep loosing weight, and I have no energy. I hope this stupid Batiatric doctor will put a request for an endoscopy because I'm not feeling good. I try to eat shrimps, usually are fine, tonight it's a nightmare.

[Ashlegal 525]

@@foodfighter78

If you cannot get your surgeon to put in a referral for a endoscopy, go to your PCP. There is no reason a PCP cannot refer you to the help you need.

[foodfighter78 258]

@@foodfighter78

If you cannot get your surgeon to put in a referral for a endoscopy, go to your PCP. There is no reason a PCP cannot refer you to the help you need.

I'm going to try tomorrow, I email my surgeon nurse on Monday, finally today I called and she said Dr. Sanchez can't do much he thinks that if you feel those symptoms just call GI Doctor. I'm so upset, and feel abandon. First stricture he didn't believe me for weeks, the gastroenterologist told me after my dilatation, that Dr. Sanchez didn't even believe him.

[Daisee68 2,493]

I would call the GI Dr that did your first dilation. Skip the bariatric surgeon altogether

[melps 26]

You might have had a stricture for a long time now and it just keeps getting worse!

[foodfighter78 258]

I can't go to GI without insurance referral, finally today the Batiatric center nurse called me and she said she submit the referral today. At this point I'm on 1 shake and 1 cup of Water. I yelled at the nurse because I felt they didn't believe me, since Monday I been asking for help.