Big Problem- Please help-

I am 10 weeks out as of yesterday and solid food is really a problem. As the food goes down after I eat it, I am getting some really bad pain. Soft foods or liquids are fine. I asked the dr. last week and he told me either I was eating too fast or too much. I watch how fast or how slow I am eating and stop when I am full. Things like lettuce, cucumber, crackers and tomatoes dont hurt. Things like raw peaches and chicken do.What do I do?

Dear Sharon: Wow, are you adventurous! Lettuce, cucumbers, crackers and tomatoes? I just ate my first salad LAST WEEK!!! First of all, don't eat anything that makes you feel ill. Drop the lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers: you need PROTEIN! Eat protein first, then, if your pouch allows, eat veggies and fruits. This is a time of experimentation, Sharon: foods from your pre-pouch days will affect you differently now, so don't get discouraged about any reactions to them. You might want to start with foods that are easier to digest, like finely-chopped chicken, tuna, haddock, even 90% lean ground hamburger. I found that fruits that have fuzzy skins are hard on my stomach. Are you peeling your fruit? Try peeled apples; blueberries, seedless watermelon, and red grapefruit packed in water (in the fruit section of supermarket. It comes prepared, ready for eating) are also good choices. I also enjoy cooked carrots, green beans, black beans, and stewed tomatoes easier to handle then fresh tomatoes. Also, you're doctor is right about eating too much or too fast: I get dizzy, sweaty, and naseous if I do either. Everyone's pouch is different, so what works for me might not work for you. Don't be afraid to try different foods, but try only a little bit at a time. Best of luck, and don't feel discouraged: we've all been in your shoes at one time or another! Rita -49

I think it just takes a little time for your body to adjust. So introduce new foods slowly, and just a little at first. I have been eating everything for the longest time now, and nothing bothers me. I eat all sorts of raw fruits and veggies and all kinds of meats. I do not eat sweets. Both my kids had wls and neither is comfortable with chicken. I can eat it all. I wish I had a few things that gave me a problem. Louise -40

Hi Sharon, I will be 12 weeks out tomorrow.I am having the same issues you are liquids,broth yogurt salad and etc go down fine but the last 2 weeks or so I have had problems getting in meat.It doesn't hurt or I havent thrown up but after the first 2 bites I know it is going to sit in my stomach like lead brick and make me really uncomfortable so I refuse to eat it.I did have luck with crab meat seems to go right down without a problem.I think are bodies are just adjusting. At 4 to 9 weeks I could eat any meat and did not give me a problem.I see the Doctor on thursday and will ask him what he thinks.I hope things get better for you. Lisa -66lbs

I have a somewhat similar problem, but relized what was causing it when I started hurling... I wasn't chewing my food well enough for it get through my stoma... make sure you chew chew chew, and if you're eatting protein it won't take much for you to feel full... Hope this helps Lori

I went out to eat at the Cracker Barrel last night. I had the Lemon pepper trout. I had no problems. The fish was very soft and went down fine. I even ate the lettuce, cucumber and tomatoes. I had a Wendy's chili and a side salad and it went down fine for lunch. I havent tried hamburger or steak. The way I eat it, medium rare, it should be no problem going down. We shall see.