Hi all,

I had my surgery on 8/21. As of two weeks ago, I developed a stricture, meaning my esophagus is closing up. Food is not filtering out of my stomach into my intestines because the hole is too small. I've had it stretched once but ever since the procedure last Tuesday, I've felt worse. When I'm not eating or drinking, it feels like my throat is literally closing up, and I sometimes begin to gag randomly. Food has been an issue. I'm supposed to be on solids but can't progress to them as much.

Does anyone have any advice as to what I should be doing at this point? My doctor is pretty much unavailable and I've only spoken to the NP there, but she hasn't given a whole lot of direction. My nutritionist canceled on me as well, so I don't have an appointment until November. I'm also going back in November to have my esophagus stretched again with a balloon.

I just would love any info that people could give, because it's been pretty miserable the last couple of weeks and I'm not losing as much weight as I should be because the food is staying in my stomach. I'm not getting the protein or water I should be getting or the amount of calories because of how little I can eat/drink without gagging.

Thanks for any insight and/or support.

I would call the doctor or gastroenterologist who stretched your esophagus earlier and tell them what’s going on.

It’s inexcusable for your surgeon to not be available for you when you’re unable to swallow. Personally, I would raise h*ll until I got his attention!

The only other option you have is to go to the emergency room.

I’m so sorry. ?

1 hour ago, Elise24 said:

I would call the doctor or gastroenterologist who stretched your esophagus earlier and tell them what’s going on.

It’s inexcusable for your surgeon to not be available for you when you’re unable to swallow. Personally, I would raise h*ll until I got his attention!

The only other option you have is to go to the emergency room.

I’m so sorry. ?

Thank you, I'm starting to think I should call as well. The only time one of his patients gets to see him is before the surgery and right after in the hospital. Everything else is done through the NP. : ( I'll give his office a call and then try to find the info of the doctor who did my recent procedure. I don't think I can wait until November to fix this.

Yep, keep on top of it. In the meantime get your nutrition through liquids. Clear liquids are thinnest, you probably have to water down your protein shakes.

It's like being back in the clear and full liquid phases.. get at least 60g protein a day, 64oz fluid, powdered or chewable vitamins.

If you can't meet these goals (at least 40oz fluid), and you can't get in with your doctor, go to the ER.. at least for fluids.

If you can tolerate milk, add that to your day for a protein and calcium boost. When you have a stricture, the low carb portion of postop life doesn't matter as much as meeting your nutritional requirements.

I too would raise h#ll, I would call and call and call both the surgeon and the gastroenterologist. Good luck.

1 hour ago, Berry78 said:

Yep, keep on top of it. In the meantime get your nutrition through liquids. Clear Liquids are thinnest, you probably have to Water down your Protein Shakes.

It's like being back in the clear and full liquid phases.. get at least 60g Protein a day, 64oz Fluid, powdered or chewable vitamins.

If you can't meet these goals (at least 40oz fluid), and you can't get in with your doctor, go to the ER.. at least for fluids.

If you can tolerate milk, add that to your day for a protein and Calcium boost. When you have a stricture, the low carb portion of postop life doesn't matter as much as meeting your nutritional requirements.

Thanks so much for the ideas. Yes, I haven't been able to eat the calories (about 800) or the protein I'm supposed to get, and I'm working out 3x weekly so I likely need even more protein/calories than the norm. I can't even drink a whole bottle of water, and I LOVE water. I'm going to call my doctor today now that I have some free time on my lunch break.

I am glad you said that about the carbs - I have been eating far more carbs than I normally do, but they are some of the only things I can get down. Crispy carbs like crackers or tortilla chips have been the easiest things to eat, oddly. The crispier, the easier it is for me to eat.