ACinOH

11.5 weeks in now, I have a stricture and we all know I do. Do is reluctant to dilate it because they are confident it will subside on its on and dilating it can stretch things too much. Ok, that's fine. My question is, has anyone had this and you get into a routing of good days and then it goes back to being a struggle? Last week was hell, then Monday, everything cleared up, I was able to drink anything and eat, still not to 2 oz of meat or anything but I kept things down. Last night, back to hell, threw up my Premier Protein this morning and feel like I am back to square one again, not even water staying down. I deeply regret this surgery!

OK, like a light switch, I went from stage 3 to liquids again last week. It's OK I mean I am back to protein shakes and all that but I just feel as though I won't ever be able to get anything down, any time I try anything remotely solid, I feel full, then burps, hiccups and then it has to come out. Dr said this is a stage where swelling is apparent and keep pushing but I just don't know what to think. Yesterday I had some vegetable soup and even than came back up, well the small amount of soft carrots, etc. Tell me this is "normal" and it gets better? As ridiculous as it sounds, one of my big fears is Christmas, I have to, MUST attend this fancy dinner where I will need to order food and be social, at least looking like I am eating something. I know that is a long way out.....

Last night I tried the soup again and it stayed down, chewing better of course. I also had a slice of cheese that stayed down. So maybe I am just eating too fast or too much at a time. I am going to keep experimenting with slow and small bites and see.

I should say that liquids are ok, I can eat a tub of greek yogurt with no issues, so my surgeon doesn't see it as a problem until I can't tolerate liquids even. Until then they are in the wait and see mode that it could be stenosis that heals itself. It's just tough. I will keep an eye on it of course, just sick of liquids. Things like tuna, chicken or turkey, mashed potatoes have not gone so well.

I am a few days from a month out, things are going well, I am getting my water and protein. My provider has me moving to full diet this week. I have been so conflicted on what to eat and do, so many opinions. So I have really just started trying things to see what happens, nothing bad of course but I have tried salad and lunchmeats. Spicy things for some flavor. I just don't know if I am doing wrong or not. I have been assuming if I don't dump or have pain, I should be ok. I have vomited once after eating some turkey a bit too fast, otherwise though, I feel good. Is that enough? Is my body going to tell me if I have done wrong?

Looking for some help and advice on a few things. Looks like am will be getting approved for surgery in late July 2019. I have lost 30+ pounds but I feel like the closer I get to that time the more depressed and anxious I am. Also, despite losing some of this weight I am very self-conscious right now. I don't feel like I am in a great place but I am hinging a lot on the long term of feeling better and being able to do more. The transition to healthier food hasn't been bad for me, but I am often hungry. I am not a binge eater but I have a healthy appetite and quit when I feel full (problem is getting to full!) I also don't have many friends and I have been very guarded with the information about having this done. My parents and mother-in-law know that I am getting something done to fix my GERD problems but they don't know what. I really don't want to tell anyone at all. I have been eating healthy so people are already seeing my weight changes, I just want to go with that and not make a scene (I have a weird personality, I like being social and I am funny but I also often times like blending in). Anyway, just curious for some advice. Also, struggling with some ideas post op, I don't really like eggs, cottage cheese or seafood so I am a little worried. Have found that I enjoy the flavored tuna packets, cheeses, lunchmeats and some veggies which my nutritionist said could sub out for some of those things I don't enjoy eating.

Thank you all for the thoughts and kindness. I didn't realize so many people had been in similar situations as I am in!

All insurance seems different, mine was 6 months with my PCP and she had to document my progress and what we discussed VERY WELL. Not allowed to just be a nurse weigh in.