[Jill]

I'm looking for the same clarity as Kenyar. The esophogaus going into the stomach ("top") does not change with RGB -- right? The only change that occurs is when the bypass is done and there is an opening created at the "bottom" of the new pouch and the intestine bypass is attached -- correct? So therefore, would not the only place for a stricture to happen (from the results of the surgery) would be at the "bottom" or new connection created?

[Jerry]

If I may ask...When a scope is done when correcting a stricture...how is that done exactly...do they put you out for this...do they cut you open again or do they go down your throut ! Just Curious !!

[Kenyar]

Originally Posted by bren

Not sure what you mean by top and bottom

what jill said i couldnt word it right im sorry

[DocSanae]

Originally Posted by Kenyar

wait so this only happends at the bottom? not at the top?

With gastric bypass, it happens at the *bottom* as you say, to your stoma, the opening of your pouch to the intestine.
The figure and example LisaMarie posted for you, is for the *top*, the place that is called the cardia, and strictures there most often are due to esophageal cancer, though repeated and severe GERD, gastro-esophageal reflux disease (in other words, acid reflux), sometimes causes it.
This figure, though is of the cardia, should make it easier for you to understand.

Originally Posted by Jerry

If I may ask...When a scope is done when correcting a stricture...how is that done exactly...do they put you out for this...do they cut you open again or do they go down your throut ! Just Curious !!

Strictures are enlarged by utilizing endoscopy. Along the scope, there is a narrow tube that allows the dr performing the scope to pass many things, such as water, biopsy needles, injection needles, etc. A catheter with a balloon attached to it is passed through this tube, and inseterted into the stoma that has narrowed. Then, air is passed into the balloon, so it will stretch the narrowed opening. Other than balloons, bougies may be used, but as far as I know, the balloon procedure is more common. The diagram LisaMarie posted shows the balloon procedure and the bogie procedure for the cardia. The same thing is done for the stoma stricture. The only anesthesia that is needed is for numbing your throat to pass the endoscope through, and you will be awake through the entire procedure, but quite often, drs will use tranqulizers so the patient will be somewhat woozy.