A gastric bypass is a surgical procedure to help you lose weight. The stomach is stapled to make it smaller, and part of the small intestine is bypassed. The rest of the small intestine is then reattached to the new, smaller stomach. There is a small opening called a stoma between the stomach and the small intestine.
Right after surgery, it is normal to have some swelling at the site of the stoma. There may also be some scar tissue developing at the site. Normally, this is not significant enough to cause any problems. However, sometimes the scar tissue causes the stoma to narrow significantly, making it difficult for food or even liquids to pass through into the small intestine. In some cases, the opening can close completely. This is known as a stricture.
Strictures after a gastric bypass are not that uncommon. They can be serious, however, because obviously you have to be able to get food and liquids in. The most common symptom of a stricture is vomiting after eating or drinking. Now, vomiting after eating is not that unusual after a gastric bypass, especially in the early days after surgery. Eating too much, eating too fast, or not chewing well enough can all cause vomiting. Many people cannot tolerate certain foods anymore after a gastric bypass, such as sugar or fatty foods. Eating these foods may cause vomiting. But if you vomit every time you eat, especially if you are eating slowly and making sure to chew well, it may be a sign of a stricture.
Strictures are most common about four weeks after surgery, but they can occur sooner or later than that. If you had surgery a few weeks ago and if you vomit every time you eat, you should suspect a possible stricture. If you vomit after drinking as well, a stricture is even more likely. If you think you might have a stricture, you need to contact your surgeon as soon as possible. If you are not able to keep down fluids, you may need IV fluids to rehydrate you.
To check for a stricture, your doctor will perform a procedure called an endoscopy. A thin, flexible tube with a camera on it is passed down your throat into your stomach. You will be sedated for the procedure, so it won’t be uncomfortable. You may have a slightly sore throat after the procedure, though.
If you do have a stricture, your doctor will dilate the opening. He or she will do that while doing the endoscopy. You will probably be placed on a liquid diet for a couple of days after the procedure in order to allow the site to heal.
Sometimes one procedure is all it takes to solve the problem. Sometimes the procedure must be repeated a couple of times.
There is really nothing you can do to prevent a stricture. All you can do is be aware of the symptoms and notify your doctor as soon as possible if you think you may be developing one, so that you can be treated before dehydration or vitamin deficiencies result from it.
Sources:
http://www.annecollins.com/health-dangers-of-gastric-bypass-surgery.htm. Health Dangers of Gastric Bypass Surgery.
