My stricture story

[Happylife 6]

Hi all

I was sleeved Oct 10/2011. I did my due dillegence and found experienced doctor and caring facility (which paid off in the long run). I woke from surgery not being able to keep Water down. At first it was thought to be swelling. So. I had a endoscope to find a narrowing 3/4 of the way down my sleeve. The opening was about 2mms. From there I had about 4 dilations. Each one lasted about a week. Before I would start to foam and produce slime and just become nautious. Than they put a stent in to open the stricture. But, it migrated and I had to be put under once again and it was removed. I believe just the cost of the littlle metal stent was over a couple of thousand dollars. Also have had countess IVs for Fluid. And tons of different meds for things like pain, thrush, asperation pnuemonia and the likes. Also two ear infections from painful feeding tubes which where taped to my face! It has really brought on a series of situations and memories for me that Will stick with me forever! I just have to shake my head. On the upside the facility has taken great care of me. Free of charge. (I am Canadian with no medical coverage in the States). And it seems I MIGHT be somewhat on the mend. I was schedualed for strictureplasty or if that didnt work as the stricture has a slight twist... A Bypass YIKES! I was just having a feeding tube removed when it appeared I was able to keep down protien shakes on my own. Now it appears that the twisted strictur might have stretched as I am finally able to drink and meet requirement for protien. And now even some soft mushy foods! FINALLY after nine weeks. Not out of the woods yet but after being sick and uncomfortable for two months... Mashed potatoes yummm! Doctors think that I could possibly need another operation down the road in the top of my sleeve gets to stretched out. I hope not. But for now thankfull to be where I am now. I wrote this not to scare anyone. This is is a really rare thing that happened to me. Maybe 1%. But if you are the 1% its 100% for you! Having said that I still think its great it has helped sooo many people and wouldnt advise against it. Only that you go somewhere they will care for you in the very rare instance like me.

[KellyL 173]

I am so sorry to hear of your complications and all that you've been through. I am glad you are receiving the care and treatment you desperately needed, and sending you prayers and positive healing vibes and hoping you are on the mend. You are a very strong person for all that you've been thru! Please keep us updated!

[M2G 1,836]

Oh my goodness....that sounds like a very scary complication, but I am SO glad you have a caring medical team looking out for you. I am also so glad that you are able to keep shakes and some mushies down. I know strictures are much more common with bypass than sleeve and you are SO right when you say if you happen to be in that 1% you feel it 100%. Despite all you've been though I am hoping you can heal normally without any further operations and continue to eat normally and lose weight. Thanks for sharing your story and know that I'm thinking of you as you heal and recover.

[emily_0192010 168]

I am so glad that you are doing better! I am amazed at your positive attitude, keep it up! You are doing amazing!