What can I do about the narrowing in my sleeve?

Question

So I had my sleeve done about 3 months ago I've had 2 gastroscopys done to stretch the narrowing at the bottom of my sleeve I'm still unable to eat properly, I can hardly keep a spoon full down with out sever pain while swallowing. I'm starting to regret this surgery I'm always in pain when I eat or drink. What do I do now?

Shawn Garber, MD, FACS, FASMBS · Answer

A stricture or narrowing after a sleeve gastrectomy is a risk of the procedure and usually occurs at the incisora or middle portion of the stomach.  The best treatments is to have a stent placed and left in place for 2 - 4 weeks and then removed.  This is the most effective treatment for a stricture.  The only other option if that does not work is conversion to a sleeve gastrectomy. Usually the stent will cure the problem.  I would speak to your surgeon to find someone to place a stent as soon as possible.

Michael F. Sedrak, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

when there’s an immediate structure after sleeve, it’s likely due to a technical or anatomic issue as opposed to scarring or healing process. Dilation and stents can be tried but usually fail and best option is revision surgery. There’s some techniques to try to ‘salvage’ the sleeve but usually the best option is to convert to a gastric bypass

Terry Simpson, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Three to five times to get it stretched is usually what it takes to allow the sleeve to come to where it won't give you any trouble - it will otherwise scar down again. This is a rare issue that happens, but you need to make appointments to go back and have this redone. Once it is stable you will do much better. Hope you do well - but keep getting it stretched.

What can I do about the narrowing in my sleeve?

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More Gastric Sleeve Surgery Questions

Realistically, after getting the gastric sleeve, how many pounds will be dropped by 4 weeks post surgery?

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