Question:
Has anyone dealt with unsuccessful endoscopic dilations?

I'm 6 months post-RNY and unable to eat anything but puree, baby food and crackers in small quantities. Surgeon made stoma extremely narrow and is reluctant to do sugical revision as I am not constantly vomiting. I've had 2 unsuccessful attempts at dilation - doctor said both times my stomach was "full of food" despite 2 days of liquid diet prior to procedure. Does anyone have any suggestions - I can't live like this the rest of my life! Thanx.    — Jane M. (posted on October 6, 2001)

October 6, 2001
Hi: You are right..you can't live like this for the rest of your life...I had RNY Distal 7 1/2 wks ago and at week 4, mine was extremely narrowed from scar tissue and VERY red...my surgeon was the one who insisted on the swallow test and the procedure to stretch it. He had me go to the hospital immediately for the swallow test and I was to wait right there for the results..I was admitted immediately and the procedure was done the next day...he wanted me on iv's for almost 24 hours because I was so dehydrated....Sounds to me like you are going to have to PRESS your surgeon..let him know your quality of life and that you can't live this way....Don't pull any punches with him....He doesn't have to live in your shoes everyday eating that puree crap...I can eat ANYTHING since they did my procedure and that was within 3 days of having it done...Don't let him make you feel bad.....INSIST ! ! ! Contact your insurance company if he won't do it and see if they can guide you to another surgeon that will do it..This is considered a "surgical complication" and you should have no problem getting them to pay for it..Don't phrase it as any type of revision..COMPLICATION is the key word. It's your life....Good Luck
   — Joi G.

October 6, 2001
Melissa Janci a friend and member here has a similiar problem and when scoped was found to have a stoma ulcer too. I will call her today but at last report dialiations and previcid had her doing a lot better. What test has your surgeon run on you? Have you been successfully dialiated?
   — bob-haller