That's funny that your best friend's name is Debbie. What a coincidence.
A stricture is when scar tissue or inflammation narrows the connection between the stomach and intestine. The opening narrowed so much that food was unable to pass. I had take a Tylenol that I had split in two and I ended up in the ER. The pain was a 10/10, worse pain that I have experienced in my life. I have a high pain threshold and this almost knocked me to my knees. With the pain I was having severe nausea and vomiting, sweating and an overall horrible feeling. The second time it sent me to ER (4 days later), I had tried to eat spaghetti, which I had tolerated before. After 2-3 small swallows, the pain started 15 minutes later. Then it progressed to a 9/10. The surgeon performed an endoscopy and used a balloon to open the opening to more than twice the original size. This was a couple of weeks ago and yesterday was my first pain free day after eating or drinking my Protein...YIPPEE!!
The protein that I use is unjury. I did check the ingredients and it does have soy. Since I am just now eating "real" food in very small amounts, I am very hesitant to stop the Protein drinks because I will not be able to consume enough protein for an adequate maintenance. I "WISH" I could drink my protein in three big swigs. lol It takes me 20-30 minutes to drink it because I would either get discomfort or nausea if I consumed it too quickly. I like this protein company since they produce medical grade protein. As for my thyroid, I had problems with it years ago. I may ask for my doc to check it then next time I have blood drawn.
My post RNY weight was 203 and I am now at 163. This past week, I have not lost any weight. It has been up and down all week with a result to only equal what I weighed the previous week. Having not been able to tolerate much food for the last three weeks. I thought I would have lost more.
A little about me...I live in Wyoming. I have been married for 23 years. I have two wonderful boys, ages 16 & 20. I also have two crazy dogs, a Siberian Husky and a Weimaraner. I am more of a cold weather kinda of gal but I don't mind the beach/hot weather if it is for a vacation.
As for your comment about a "standing on your heads, doing jumping jacks while drinking a "kale smoothie"...ummm, no thanks! lol
Thanks for all of the input ladies. It makes all of this easier to deal with.