@lindainca , basically what you do in a self dilation is you stick a silicon tube down your throat and past the point of the stricture. It will make you gag and it is not pleasant at all but once you get the hang of it, it becomes easier. You need to do at least the first dilation with a doctor that has the experience to do it. He also needs to tell you what size dilators you can use. Feel free to contact me if you want to discuss it and I will send you my number so I can give you much more info. It is great to be able to do your own dilation. Take care!