nelie, i was under the impression that your stricture was in the back of your throat,,,not in your esophagus. i've already had three esophageal dilations. i think my choking problems are caused by a stricture in the back of my throat. that's what i thought you were using the bougie for....the back of your throat. how in the world do you get it all the way down to your esophagus? or did i misunderstand something? please clarify.